Central Okanagan

File Photo: Trevor Rockliffe

Get the marshmallows 

The campfire ban imposed less than two weeks ago throughout the Kamloops Fire District has been lifted.

The ban was rescinded as of noon today (Wednesday, August 29) for the region which includes the Vernon and Penticton fire zones.

Fire Information Officer, Michaela Swan, says the fire danger rating has dropped from extreme into the low to moderate range following rain over the last 24 hours.

While it's impossible to say what will happen with the weather over the next several weeks, Swan says it is unusual for extreme conditions to appear into September sufficient to re-establish a new ban.

While the ban has been lifted, Swan reminds people that campfires can't be larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide.

Anyone who lights a campfire must have a hand tool, such as a shovel, or at least eight litres of water nearby to extinguish it.

All other types of open burning remain prohibited within the Kamloops Fire Centre, including:

• The burning of any material larger than a half-metre high by a half-metre wide.
• The burning of stubble or grass
• Using fireworks or burning barrels of any size or description

Anyone found to be in violation of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for up to $345.

Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness may be fined up to $1M, spend up to three years in prison and be held accountable for associated firefighting costs.

The open fire prohibition covers all BC Parks, Crown and private lands but does not apply within the boundaries of local governments that have forest fire prevention bylaws and are serviced by fire departments.