Category 2 and 3 open burning bans extended throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre

MERRITT – It’s halfway through October and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is extending the open burning prohibitions in the Kamloops Fire Centre another couple of weeks to October 28.

In a news release, BCWS officials credit the unreasonably warm and dry weather this fall in the B.C. Interior.

Originally being set to expire on Saturday, October 15, Category 2 and 3 open burning prohibitions will now stay in place until 12:00 p.m. on October 28.

The Category 2 and 3 prohibition includes:

• Fireworks
• Sky lanterns
• Burn barrels/cages
• Binary exploding targets

BCWS says the prohibitions are in place to prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety, and are continually reassessed.

Category 1 campfires will still be allowed.