District of Barriere Fire Chief Al Kirkwood says the campfire bans within the District of Barriere will remain in place until after the North Thompson Fall Fair, even though the Kamloops Fire Centre have lifted their campfire ban.
Kirkwood noted that although some areas have received significant precipitation within the past few days, the municipality of Barriere has received very little.
“The grass and vegetation is still extremely dry in the community,” said the Chief.
For other areas of the Kamloops Fire centre effective at noon on Monday, Aug. 31, 2015, campfires are once again permitted.
Category 2 and 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre. These prohibitions include all open fires larger than a half-metre wide by a half-metre high, fires with a burn registration number, industrial burning, fireworks, sky lanterns and burning barrels.
These prohibitions cover all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but do not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws and is serviced by a fire department (such as the District of Barriere).
Please check with local governments for any other restrictions before lighting any fire.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345, required to pay an administrative penalty of $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.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: www.bcwildfire.ca
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