Campfire ban for BC’s Interior
Posted August 16, 2012 4:17 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – If you are heading on a camping trip to the interior this weekend, don’t expect to roast marshmallows over an open flame, you could be fined $345.
A campfire ban covers many areas including popular camping destinations such as Penticton, Vernon and Merritt.
The Kamloops Fire Centre‘s Kayla Pepper says the Clearwater fire zone is the only area exempt from the ban.
“We’re seeing a higher risk for wildfire starts and with a chance of lightning this weekend, we want to make sure there are no additional, person-caused fires.”
The ban applies to open fires of any size, industrial burning, fireworks, tiki torches and burning barrels.
“Going into the weekend we’re seeing our fire danger rating climb into the high and areas of extreme, so what that means is we’re seeing a higher risk for wildfire starts.”
There are some spots were you can still have a campfire this weekend: Squamish, Whistler and Harrison Hotsprings are all ban free.
Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness may be fined up to $1 million, spend up to three years in prison and be held accountable for associated firefighting costs.
However, with more dry conditions in the forecast, that too could change.
To report a wildfire: Call 1-800-663-5555
