Campfire Ban Imposed

The Central Okanagan Regional District has served notice of a campfire ban in its area.

It will take effect at noon Friday July 8, and bans campfires in all Central Okanagan municipalities and electoral areas until further notice.

Spokesman Bruce Smith says it’s a result of the extremely dry conditions and the extreme fire hazard.

“As a result of the extremely dry conditions and extended period of hot, dry weather that has boosted the fire danger rating to extreme, local fire chiefs have decided to implement the total ban on campfires within all local government fire jurisdictions in the Regional District of Central Okanagan,” says a media release. “That includes the City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Westbank First Nation and the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas. Campfires are not permitted at any time within the City of Kelowna.”

Violators could receive a fine and be charged the cost of the fire department response to a burning complaint.

Residents are encouraged to report anyone who is illegally burning by calling the Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577.

Fire departments throughout the Central Okanagan remind residents and visitors that all smoking materials should be carefully snuffed out and motorists are reminded not to toss cigarettes or other smoking materials from their vehicle.

So far, campfires have not been banned in the Kamloops Fire Centre which includes the North Okanagan.