Campfire ban rescinded for the Okanagan, surrounding region

A campfire ban for the Kamloops Fire Centre is being lifted.

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the region that includes the Okanagan has seen cooler temperatures, increased precipitation, and relatively humid conditions recently.

With these conditions allowing for good recoveries and decreased fire risks, the BCWS said the campfire ban would be lifted for the Kamloops Fire Centre as of 12 p.m. (noon) Wednesday, August 28.

With the order being lifted, people will also be able to again use chimineas and tiki or similar torches.

Category two or three open fires remain prohibited, as is the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, air curtain burners, and burn barrels or cages.

Those orders will be lifted at noon October 11, unless conditions allow for them to be rescinded earlier.

Anyone found to be having a prohibited fire could face penalties including up to a year in prison, or having to pay for the firefighting costs if their actions contribute to or cause a wildfire.

The public is advised to report wildfires or open burning violations to the BCWS toll-free at 1-800-663-5555, by dialing *5555 on a cell phone, or through the BCWS app.

The BCWS order affected all public and private land within the Kamloops Fire Centre, unless otherwise specified by a local government.

As of Tuesday morning, the City of Enderby and the Regional District of Central Okanagan said their orders were being lifted as well.

The RDCO lifted its ban Tuesday, August 27, for the City of West Kelowna; Westbank First Nation reserves #9 and #10; the District of Lake Country; District of Peachland; and the Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside, and Wilson’s Landing fire protection areas.

Enderby’s ban will be lifted at noon Wednesday to coincide with the regional order being rescinded.

People who have campfires are reminded to never leave a fire unattended, to have water and tools at hand to contain the fire, and to fully extinguish it so it’s cool to the touch before leaving it.