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BC  

No fires allowed

There's no room for careless fires this B.C. Day long weekend, and the provincial government is reminding people a fire ban is still in effect for the entire Okanagan.

Minister of Forests Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna-Mission, said with more than 1,000 B.C. Wildfire Service personnel and contractors putting their lives on the line to protect British Columbians, people have to do what they can to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.

“Fire prevention legislation and regulations are in place to help protect the lives and property of every British Columbian,” Thomson said. “On this B.C. Day long weekend, have a great holiday, be smart and do your part to prevent fire-related tragedies.”

About 40 per cent of wildfires in B.C. every year are caused by human activity or by people who disregard fire regulations.

Hot, dry conditions have persisted in many areas of the province for the past two months and are expected to continue well into August – possibly September.

Detailed information about current burning restrictions and campfire bans is available on the Wildfire Service website.

Anyone operating motorized vehicles in the backcountry must also use caution, since the heat from an exhaust pipe – particularly in tall, dry grass – could ignite a fire.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or an open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or call *5555 on a cellphone.

Anyone found in contravention of a fire prohibition could be issued a ticket for $345, be required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.



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