The campfire ban in Salmon Arm has been lifted.
Thanks to rain overnight, the ban in the Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Merritt and Lillooet fire zones was lifted at noon, today, Aug. 24.
A campfire ban remains in place in all of the Okanagan, including the Vernon and Penticton fire zones.
Open burning continues to be prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes Salmon Arm. This prohibition applies to open fires larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide, fires with a burn registration number, industrial burning, fireworks and burning barrels.
The open burning prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown and private lands, but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by a fire department.
Anyone found in violation of an open fire ban may be issued a ticket for up to $345. 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.
Th open burning prohibition will remain in place until the public is notified that it has been rescinded.
Wildfire Management Branch personnel have responded to 65 wildfires in the past week in the Kamloops Fire Centre. Ninety-two percent of these wildfires have been contained to less than four hectares in size. More than 400 personnel have contributed to this success, including local contract firefighting crews, fire wardens, pilots, heavy equipment operators and out-of-province initial attack crews.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://bcwildfire.ca.
