Hot and dry weather is headed for both Kamloops and Kelowna over the next few weeks, according to the Kamloops Fire Centre.
The BC Wildfire Service is asking the public to be on alert as fire activity is expected to amp up in the next few weeks.
Be extra vigilant with putting out cigarette butts and report any smoke or fires that they see.
Currently, the fire danger rating through the Kamloops Fire Centre is sitting at "moderate to high, with pockets of extreme" in the Lilloet Fire Zone.
The Centre reminds the public to be cautious with campfire use and other outdoor activities that could ignite a fire, including heat from dirt bikes and ATV's in tall grass.
Campfires are currently still permitted but may not be larger than half a metre wide and half a metre high.
The fine for leaving a campfire unattended for any length of time is $1,150.
Larger Category 2 and 3 open fires are currently prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.
Also, fireworks, sky lanterns, burning barrels or burning cages and exploding targets are not allowed.
Anyone caught not obeying the laws around open burning fires, can be fined $1,150 and required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000, or if convicted in court, can be fined up to $100,000 or sentenced to a year in prison.
If the fire contributes to a forest fire, the person may be forced to pay all costs associated fighting the fire.
For more information on B.C. Campfire Regulations, visit the website here.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
