Campfire (86299314 © creativecommonsimages - Dreamstime.com)

By Pete McIntyre

'favourable weather'

Campfire bans lifted in Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby

Jun 16, 2023 | 9:20 AM

UPDATE

The cities of Vernon, Armstrong and Enderby have lifted their campfire ban as of noon today (June 16).

“Favorable weather over the last week and cooler temperatures in the forecast have reduced the wildfire risk within the city. As of today, the fire danger rating for Vernon is listed as moderate to low,” a City of Vernon news release stated.

The change coincides with the BC Wildfire Service lifting the campfire ban in the Kamloops Fire Centre, also at noon today.

“Please continue to use care and caution if enjoying a campfire. It’s a requirement that fires not be left unattended and that they are fully extinguished before leaving the site,” Vernon Fire Chief David Lind said. “We appreciate everyone’s help in keeping our community safe and for practicing fire safe behaviours.”

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If you choose to have a small campfire, please remember:

• Only burn dry, seasoned wood
• Never leave a fire unattended and
• Be mindful of smoke’s impact on neighbours; don’t allow dense smoke or noxious odours
• Keep water or a hand tool nearby at all times when the campfire is lit
• Ensure the fire is fully doused before walking away at the end of your time outside

Residents are reminded that consumer fireworks and sky lanterns are not permitted within the City of Vernon boundaries. The use or storage of fireworks without a permit may result in a fine of up to $300 and multiple fines may be issued for a single infraction.

The City of Armstrong said while campfires will be allowed, open burning remains prohibited, including the use of fireworks, sky lanterns and burn barrels.

The following activities are prohibited in the City of Armstrong:

• No Category 2 and Category 3 Open Fires, including:
  – The use of fireworks
  – The use of sky lanterns
  – The use of burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
  – The use of binary exploding targets
  – The use of tiki and similar kinds of torches
  – The use of chimineas
  – The use of outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) rating

To report a wildfire, call the BC Wildfire Service at 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.