Photo: Contributed

Vernon and Armstrong residents hoping to usher in fall relaxing around a campfire had better plan something else.

Vernon and Armstrong residents hoping to usher in fall relaxing around a campfire had better plan something else.

On Friday, the BC WIldfire Service lifted a campfire ban for the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes the Okanagan, but Vernon Fire Rescue sent out a notice later that day letting people know the campfire ban remains in place for the city.

The City of Armstrong is also refusing to allow open fires.

Armstrong is expecting minimal precipitation over the next 14 days and fire conditions remain high to extreme so officials are keeping the ban in place.

Armstrong/Spallumcheen Fire Chief Ian Cummings declared all open air burning, including campfires, be banned until conditions improve.

The fire department will continue to evaluate the conditions and make recommendations accordingly.

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be subject to fines with a minimum penalty of $150.

If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, those responsible may be subject to fines up to $10,000 and or ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.