For Immediate Release Sept 18, 2024 Ministry of Forests BC Wildfire Service Category 2 open burning prohibition rescinded in the Kamloops Fire Centre KAMLOOPS – Effective at 12:00 pm (noon) Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) today, September 18, 2024, Category 2 open fires and S.12 equipment and activities will be permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre. The seasonal fall temperatures and significant precipitation over the last few weeks had a positive impact on the Kamloops Fire Centre’s fire danger rating. The widespread cooling temperatures and good overnight relative humidity recoveries, as well as the forecasted weather patterns, have made it so there are favourable conditions to rescind the category 2 open fires prohibition. In addition to category 2 open fires, the following equipment and activities will no longer be restricted in the Kamloops Fire Centre: – Fireworks; – Sky Lanterns; -Binary Exploding Targets; -Air Curtain Burners; and Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description, except when used for a campfire as defined by the Wildfire Regulation. Category 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre. A map of the affected area can be found here. This map displays the correct fire zone boundaries. Category 3 refers to an open fire that burns: – Material concurrently in 3 or more piles each not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width; – Material in one or more piles each exceeding 2 metres in height or 3 metres in width; – One or more windrows, none of which exceed 200 metres in length or 15 metres in width; – Stubble or grass over an area exceeding 0.2 hectares; Local governments may still have their own burning restrictions in place. Always check with local authorities before lighting any fire of any size. Those conducting any open fire should use caution and be aware of local conditions that might impact their ability to burn safely and control their open fires. Anyone who lights an open fire must also comply with B.C.’s air quality control legislation. Check the local venting index by calling 1 888 281-2992 or visit: http://ow.ly/q2jC50Ln0WL The BC Wildfire Service urges the public to take the following precautions with any allowed outdoor burning: – Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire. – Do not burn in windy conditions. The weather can change quickly, and wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires. – Create a fire guard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material right down to the mineral soil. – Never leave a fire unattended. – Make sure that your fire is fully extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area. To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, please call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cell phone. For more information about fire bans or restrictions, please visit www.bcwildfire.ca Learn more: – on the free BC Wildfire Service public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices – on X: BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) / X – on Facebook: facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo Contact: Kamloops Fire Centre Information team BC Wildfire Service Kamloops Fire Centre 250 554-5965 Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect. bcwildfire.ca | 1 888 3 FOREST | BC Wildfire Service | BCGOVFIREINFO |