'It's very alarming': Okanagan Forest Task Force puts out six campfires less than one week after ban

Photo: OFTF

Okanagan Forest Task Force founder Kane Blake is urging the public to stay vigilant after members of the group extinguished six fires in the past week despite a province-wide campfire ban.

Blake reported that the fires were discovered in Kelowna's backcountry, highlighting the severity of the situation given the current fire restrictions and extreme fire danger.

A province-wide campfire ban took effect at noon on July 12.

"We have already put out six fires, and four of them were left with open flames and unattended. There is zero excuse for this. It's very alarming. It's a province-wide fire ban. It's not like it's just one town. How do you not know about it?" Blake expressed.

Penalties for disobeying a campfire ban can include a $1,150 ticket. Additionally, anyone convicted of an offense that leads to court action could face a $100,000 fine or a year in jail.

The ban applies to all public and private land, except when otherwise specified by a local government bylaw or other statute. It will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 31, or until it is rescinded.

Throughout the summer OFTF will be conducting a number of raffles and giveaways of equipment that can be used to help put out fires, including an axe and extinguisher.

''Something like this almost essential to have in your vehicle in the Okanagan."

For more details head to OFTF's Facebook page.