Wildfire danger down but campfire ban still on in Interior

NEWS/ WILDFIRES — Despite the heavy rainfall this week and a drop in the fire danger rating from high to low, the campfire ban will continue in all areas of the Kamloops Fire Centre, with the exception of the Clearwater Fire Zone.

The Kamloops Fire Centre said today (Friday) the fire hazard is expected to rise substantially after this weekend, with the long-range weather forecast indicating a return to hot and dry conditions.

This week’s storms came with severe lightning activity throughout most of the Interior, causing eight new wildfires.

As the weather warms up and forest fuels dry out, it’s possible that more wildfires will flare up as a result of “holdover” strikes from the storm that passed through on Wednesday, the fire centre said.

As of today (Friday) 63 per cent of wildfires in B.C. have been person-caused.

Anyone found in violation of an open fire prohibition, including campfires, may be issued a ticket for up to $345. Anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness may be fined up to $1 million, spend up to three years in prison and be held accountable for associated firefighting costs.

A map of the area covered by the campfire ban is available online at: http://bit.ly/1rwRqsa.