BREAKING NEWS: Category 1 Campfire Ban Lifted As of Wednesday Noon

Just in time for the long holiday weekend, the Category 1 campfire band has been lifted in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

According to a press release late Monday, that the Category 1 campfire ban will be rescinded as of 12 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.

The Kamloops Fire Centre which includes the Merritt Fire Zone credits “decreased temperatures, increased precipitation, higher relative humidity, and good recoveries” as contributing factors to rescind the fire ban.

Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited until noon on Oct. 11, or until the orders are rescinded.

In addition to open fires being prohibited, the following activities and equipment are also restricted:

• Fireworks;
• Sky Lanterns;
• Binary Exploding Targets;
• Air Curtain Burners; and
• Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description, except when used for a Category 1 campfire as defined by the Wildfire Regulation.

The release also warns that anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition could face a hefty fine of  $1,150, and be 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.