Frustration is growing among Vernon firefighters as some residents ignore an open burning ban.
On Monday night, firefighters responded to an outdoor burn in the 9800 block of Eastside Road and an unattended campfire in the 6200 block of Qual Road.
“It’s very upsetting to see both of these,” said Jack Blair, deputy fire chief.
“The media and the government have been good at getting the word out (about the wildfire risk). No campfires are allowed — none, nada.”
While neither fire Monday caused any damage, Blair insists they were a threat.
“Look at what’s happened in Joe Rich and Lillooet. It’s dry out there,” he said.
“It’s disappointing because we’re trying to keep the city safe and everyone needs to pitch in.”
While some residents are ignoring the campfire ban, Blair is pleased others are being vigilant when they see flames.
“We need people to report these incidents.”
Anyone contravening the campfire and open burning ban faces a fine.
“And it’s not just from us. The Ministry of Forests will hit you hard for infractions of the bylaw,” said Blair.
Besides Vernon, all North Okanagan municipalities and regional districts have banned campfires, as well as the Okanagan Indian Band and Splatsin First Nation.
A provincial ban is in place for open fires of any size, industrial burning, fireworks, tiki torches, sky lanterns and burning barrels. It covers all B.C. Parks and Crown land.
Smoke from wildfires throughout the Interior has created a haze in the North Okanagan in the last few days.
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, if you see or smell smoke in the air, you’re encouraged to avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially people with chronic underlying medical conditions.
Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying respiratory conditions, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or heart disease.
For information on air quality readings, go to www.bcairquality.ca
