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(Photo credit: The Canadian Press)
By Pete McIntyre
extreme fire danger

Vernon to start campfire ban on July 7

Jul 4, 2023 | 5:20 PM

A campfire ban will take effect at noon this Friday, July 7, in Vernon.

The city says it’s needed due to the hot, dry conditions and the current extreme fire danger rating within Vernon.

“The ban is being issued in coordination with the BC Wildfire Service campfire ban that will take effect at the same time, within the Kamloops Fire Centre. The ban is intended to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety,” a city news release stated.

The city said the prohibition will remain in place until October 13, 2023, or until the public is otherwise notified.

The ban does not apply to CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire apparatus that uses briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel, so long as the height of the flame is less than 15 centimeters.

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Non-compliance with the fire ban may result in fines up to $1,0000 through the city’s municipal bylaws. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To report a fire in city limits, call 911. To report a wildfire, call the BC Wildfire Service at 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

by Pete McIntyre
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