As the fire risk increases, the municipality and the Kamloops Fire Centre have both issued campfire bans in the area.
Both bans took effect on Friday, Aug. 17 at noon.
The bans are in place as the fire danger rating is high throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre, with a few pockets where the danger rating is extreme.
Those violating the Kamloops Fire Centre’s ban may be issued a ticket for up to $345 and anyone causing a wildfire through arson or recklessness may face up to $1 million in fines and three years in prison and will be held accountable for associated fire costs.
Gas or propane stoves and briquettes are not affected by the ban.
The fire ban is in place in the Lillooet, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Merrit, Vernon and Penticton Fire Zones.
Summerland is in the Penticton Fire Zone.
A wildfire was burning near Osprey Lake about 35 kilometres west of Summerland at press time this week.
The 10-hectare fire appears to have been caused by an earlier lightning strike, smouldering underground in tree roots until it broke out during the hot and dry conditions Sunday.
The Osprey Lake fire was being fought by about 25 fire fighters as well as helicopters and an air tanker. It was located in a remote area off the Summerland to Princeton Road, away from structures and camping areas.
It was one of about 50 new fires in B.C. over the hot weekend, and the largest of 10 in the Kamloops zone.
