Southeast Fire Centre implementing Category 2 burn ban

(Supplied by CIty of Kimberley)

Category 2 open burning will be prohibited across the region starting at 12 p.m. Pacific Time on July 5.

The Southeast Fire Centre information officer Alexander Robinson said it’s a preemptive move due to the upcoming forecast.

“We’re putting this fire prohibition into place now as we’re entering a drying trend,” he said.

“At least Sunday through Tuesday is forecasted to be particularly hot and dry.”

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Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-to-high 30s through much of the region starting on Sunday.

Along with open burning, the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and binary exploding targets are also prohibited.

Campfires are still allowed for the time being.

Those caught breaking the rules could be fined $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000, or if found guilty in court could be fined $100,000 or sentenced to a year in jail.

If the offence causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible could be on the hook for all firefighting and associated costs.


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