Campfire Ban Remains in Place as Cooler Temperatures Move Into B.C. Interior

Rain and cooler temperatures are in the forecast, but the BC Wildfire Service officials are reminding the public that a campfire ban remains in effect for the Kamloops Fire Centre.

“When we get into those cooler temperatures and see rain there can be a bit of complacency in regards to complying with our campfire prohibition, so we do want to remind the public that the campfire prohibition is in effect over the course of the weekend,” said Fire Information Officer Melissa Klassen.

The campfire ban could be rescinded if the weather helps reduce the risk of new wildfires.

“It may be something that we’ll be re-evaluating on Monday or early next week if we do receive lot of precipitation, but as of right now the wildfire risk is still there,” Klassen said.

Recent smoke throughout the B.C. Interior has slowed down fire activity, but there have been over new 40 fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre since Monday.

The cooler weather and precipitation should help fire crews gain control over new and existing wildfires.

“Now is the time for our crews to make some good progress and headway on the fires we do still have burning in the fire centre,” Klassen said. “These weather conditions are very favourable for our fire suppression efforts.”

The fire danger rating is mostly moderate across the Kamloops Fire Centre, but the chance remains for holdover fires to spark from previous lightning strikes. Anyone who sees a new fire is asked to call the BC Wildfire Service.

“A lot of the time we receive reports of our fires and we become aware of our fires through initial phone reports by the public,” Klassen said. “We appreciate the public’s participation in reporting anything that they may see.”

To report a distinct column of smoke or flames, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellphone.