As of noon on Oct. 1, 2017, Category 2 and Category 3 open burning is allowed throughout the northern portion of the Kamloops Fire Zone (the North Prohibition Area).

In addition, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are currently allowed in areas above 1,200 metres within the Vernon Fire Zone.

However, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited in the following areas:

• Kamloops Fire Zone, South Prohibition Area (all elevations)
• Vernon Fire Zone (below 1,200 metres)
• Merritt Fire Zone (all elevations)
• Lillooet Fire Zone (all elevations)
• Penticton Fire Zone (all elevations)

A map of the affected areas is available online at: http://ow.ly/gfR230fAB17

Anyone conducting a Category 3 open fire must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717.

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the BC Wildfire Service website: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can follow the latest B.C. wildfire news on:

• Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo