There is still no fire ban in the province
While some local governments in the Thompson-Okanagan have already banned campfires, the BC Wildfire Service has not announced a ban for the Kamloops Fire Centre.
This means campfires are still allowed on Crown land outside fire service areas, so if you’re planning to light a fire this weekend, check you’re allowed.
“We recognize that camping is a pretty big part of the BC lifestyle, and especially over the long weekend,” said Mikhail Elfay of the BC Wildfire Service.
“We had some discussions about it, but we felt we didn’t necessarily need a campfire ban for this weekend … we expect we’ll reach the threshold to require a campfire ban in the near future, but we just didn’t think it was necessary in this moment.
BCWS says it’s important to have the right tools on hand when tending to a campfire in the middle of summer. A minimum of eight liters of water is required to extinguish the fire and a hand tool nearby.
“With the warm, hot and dry conditions this weekend there is potential for fires to start, so we just want to encourage people to make sure their campfire is out, and that means it’s cool to the touch.” If you put dirt on the fire, it won’t necessarily put the fire out,” explained Elfay.
While campfires and cigarette butts are well-known causes of wildfires, BCWS says recreational vehicle abuse in the countryside is often overlooked.
“For people who choose to relax in the countryside, we just want to remind them to be careful. Make sure your spark arrestor is in good shape on your motorcycle or ATV and avoid parking your vehicle in grass. Preferably keep your vehicles on the trail at all times,” Elfai said.
BCWS says it’s important for the public to act as the eyes and ears of wildfire response, so if you see smoke or fire, report it immediately to 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.
Photo: BCWS
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