Campfire ban announced for Kamloops Fire Centre

In an effort to prevent more human-caused fires, the province is bringing in a campfire ban for the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Campfires will be prohibited in the region, which covers much of the Southern Interior, starting at noon on Thursday, Aug. 4. The ban is expected to last until Saturday, Oct. 15, or until otherwise advised.

A map of B.C. outlining the six fire centres. (Courtesy BC Wildfire Service)

The BC Wildfire Service notes that the Kamloops Fire Centre is currently experiencing hot and dry conditions, with the fire danger rating in the region in the high or extreme range.

The campfire ban comes after Category 2 and Category 3 prohibitions were previously brought in.

“Camping is a long-standing tradition in this province. The B.C. government recognizes that people also enjoy having campfires, so it takes any decision to implement a campfire ban very seriously,” the BC Wildfire Service website reads, in part.

“Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused wildfires.”

Related articles: 

• B.C. open fire bans

• B.C. wildfire risk expected to ramp up this month

• Several lightning-sparked fires burn in B.C.’s Southern Interior

The campfire ban applies to both public and private land, unless otherwise stated.

It can be costly for those who are found to be breaking the campfire ban. The province says people in violation of the prohibition may be handed a ticket for $1,150 or required to pay a penalty of up to $10,000. If convicted in court, it could cost you up to $100,000 and/or one year in jail.

Meanwhile, if you break a fire prohibition and that leads or contributes to a wildfire, you may be on the hook for all firefighting and associated costs.