Open burning allowed

Photo: Contributed - BC Wildfire

Open fires are once again permitted across the entire Kamloops Fire Centre, now that the risk of wildfires has decreased.

That means the public is allowed to burn waste, slash, grass and stubble on private land, Crown land and in BC Parks.

Fireworks and burning barrels are also allowed, but none of this applies within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by fire departments.

However, anyone contemplating lighting an open fire should first check with local authorities to see if any other burning restrictions in effect.

Anyone planning on conducting an open burn should use caution and follow safety precautions:

• Locate the fire site away from buildings, trees and other combustible materials.
• Do not burn during windy conditions.
• Have adequate people, water and hand tools available to prevent the fire from escaping.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Ensure that the fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

Information on open burning, burn categories and current fire prohibitions is available on the Wildfire Management Branch's website.

The Kamloops Fire Centre stretches from the northern border of Wells Gray Park near Blue River to the U.S. border in the south, and from the Bridge River Glacier west of Gold Bridge to the Monashee Mountains east of Lumby.

A map of the Kamloops Fire Centre is available online.