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By Liam Verster

Ban on Category 3 Fires

Open Fire Prohibition planned for Okanagan, surrounding area

May 12, 2025 | 4:55 PM

Restrictions on open fires within the area that includes the Okanagan will come into effect Friday.

Starting at 12 p.m. (noon) May 16, Category 3 Open Fires will be prohibited within the Kamloops Fire Centre.

The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the prohibition will only ban fires that consist of three or more piles not exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width; one or more piles exceeding two metres in height and three metres in width; one or more windrows and stubble or grass over an area exceeding 2,000 square metres.

The prohibition will apply to all areas within the fire centre that includes the Okanagan that are outside municipal boundaries.

Anyone found in contravention of the prohibition could be issued a ticket for $1,150, and be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000. If convicted in court, a person having one of these fires could be fined up to $100,000 and may be sentenced to a year in jail. Additionally, if a prohibited fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, then the person who started it could be ordered to pay all fire fighting and associated costs.

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People will still be able to have Category 1 and 2 Open Fires, and there will be no restrictions on campfires.

The BCWS reminds the public to report all wildfires, unattended campfires, and open burning violations by calling 1-800-663-5555 toll-free, or by dialing *5555 on a cell phone.

The ban on Category 3 Open Fires will be in place until October 17, 2025, or until the order is lifted.