Category 2 fire ban takes effect May 17 across region

May 15, 2024 | 12:50 PM

The B.C. Wildfire Service is adding to its regional fire bans ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend.

The provincial firefighting service will prohibit Category 2 burning in the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes the Okanagan and Shuswap, effective noon Friday, May 17.

Small campfires will still be allowed.

The ban, adding to the existing Category 3 fire bans, will prohibit:

Burning material in piles exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width
Burning stubble or grass over an area of less than 0.2 hectares
Setting off fire works or sky lanterns
Using binary exploding targes
Using air curtain burners
Using burn barrels or cages of any size or description, with the exception of when being used for a campfire

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

Dec 12, 2025

“This prohibition is being enacted to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety,” the BCWS stated on its website.

“This prohibition will remain in effect until 12 p.m. (noon) PDT on Oct. 1, 2024, or until the order is rescinded.”

Under the upcoming ban, campfires that are under half a metre tall and a metre wide will still be prohibited within the Kamloops Fire Centre, as will the use of cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.

The fire ban applies to all public and private land within the region, unless specified otherwise.

The City of Enderby has stated a fire ban in line with the BCWS prohibition will be put in place on May 17 as well.

Anyone found violating the fire ban regulations may be issued a ticket of $1,150; be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000; or, if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and/or be sentenced to one year in jail.

If a burning contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, then the person who started it may have to pay the costs associated with putting out the blaze.

The BCWS reminds the public to report wildfires, open burning violations and unattended campfires by calling 1-800-665-5555 toll-free or by dialing *5555 on a cellphone.

by Liam Verster

View Comments