The Cranbrook area has reached a five on the Southeast Fire Centre’s danger class which means an extreme fire risk.
The hot weather making conditions worse is expected to continue until at least July 15, with temperatures hanging around the mid-30s.
Due to the conditions, the Southeast Fire Centre will be banning campfires starting on July 12 at 1 p.m.
Kootenay-Columbia MP Rob Morrison said residents should be extra cautious until then.
“When you’re out there camping, it’s pretty dry so make sure you spend a little extra time putting fires out if you have one going,” he said.
Category 2 and 3 open burning is still prohibited and fines will be issued to those ignoring the bans.
“You could be issued a ticket of $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or if convicted in court pay up to $100,000 or sentenced to one year in jail,” said Southeast Fire Centre information officer Alexander Robinson.
You can report a wildfire by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell.
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