Category 2 and 3 open burning bans announced for Kamloops Fire Centre

MERRITT – In light of the very hot and dry weather, the B.C. Wildfire Service is instituting open burning bans in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

As of 12:00 noon on Thursday (May 18), Category 2 and 3 fires will be prohibited across the entire fire centre.

Campfires, classified as Category 1 or less than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide, are still allowed.

In addition to open burning, the province is also banning fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels and air curtain burners.

The prohibition will remain in effect until October 13 or unless it is rescinded earlier.

Much of the Kamloops Fire Centre is in a moderate fire danger rating, with pockets of high in the north and low closer to the U.S. border.