Category 3 open burning restricted in Kamloops and Southeast fire centres

Photo: Contributed

The first fire ban of the year in B.C.'s Interior went into effect Thursday.

With a cooler and wetter than average spring across B.C., the province's fire bans have come into effect slower than past years. But as of noon Thursday, Category 3 open burning is now prohibited in the Kamloops and Southeast fire centres, which covers the southern Interior of the province.

Category 3 open burning is defined as a fire burning larger than two metres high and three metres wide, or three or more piles not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width. Category 2 open burning remains unrestricted.

Heading into the long weekend, campfires remain allowed throughout the province.

The open burning restriction this year comes into effect close to a month later than last year, when Category 2 and 3 burning was restricted on June 4. In 2021, campfires across the province were prohibited on June 30.

Effective at noon, Category 3 open fires are prohibited throughout the Kamloops and Southeast Fire Centres.

For more information about burning restrictions in your area, visit: https://t.co/yCu1fW9BHu pic.twitter.com/MMra0GOUYT

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 30, 2022