The BC Wildfire Service has announced a 5-month ban on Category 3 fires in some parts of BC’s Interior, which includes the Kamloops, Penticton, Lillooet, Vernon, and Merritt fire zones.
Category 3 open fires will be prohibited from May 3 to Oct. 11, prohibiting people from burning three or more fires on a property at one time, and any fire burning with a burning pile of more than 2 meters in height or 3 meters in width.
As drought conditions persist across most of the province, officials fear the 2024 wildfire season could be as bad, or worse, than last year’s record-setter.
The BC Wildfire Service said in a media release that anyone found to be violating the open burning prohibition could face a $1,150 fine and up to $100,000 with possible jail time for those found guilty.
The fire ban does not include Category 1 campfires, or Category 2 open fires, for now.
The Kootenay region is not included in this fire ban. More information on burning restrictions can be found here.
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