Effective immediately, campfires are now allowed in the Southeast Fire Centre and Kamloops Fire Centre regions of British Columbia, which combine to include all of Boundary Country, the BC Wildfire Service announced this week.
The current prohibition against any open fire larger than a campfire—as well as other restrictions on fireworks, burn barrels, and more—remains in effect.
So far in the 2022 fire season, more than 90% of the wildfires reported in the region have been naturally caused, according to data from the BC Government.
The BC Wildfire Service takes several factors into account when making decisions, including balancing the needs of the public with the need to mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires. Natural resource officers and conservation officers conduct regular patrols throughout the province, including looking out for campfire-related infractions.
“The combination of shorter days, better overnight recoveries, and cumulative rainfall has reduced the need to prohibit campfires in [Boundary Country],” a statement reads.
Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. A person may even be ordered to pay firefighting and associated costs.
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