PENTICTON — Firefighters in the Okanagan have been dealing with more wildfires than usual, prompting the provincial government to place restrictions on open burning.
So far this year, Kamloops Fire Centre crews have responded to 30 wildfires that have burned close to 350 hectares. Each one of those fires have been sparked by people.
Forestry firefighter Jonathan Finlay says the weather conditions have set up abnormally dry conditions in the forests
“We’ve had a very dry spring with very little precipitation, leading into this fire season. So typically things are setting up a little bit sooner,” says Finlay.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has put bans on open fires larger than one-half metre by one-half metre, burning of more than two open fires at the same time, grass fires and the use of fireworks.
People can still use small campfires in the area covered by the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes the Okanagan.
People who do not follow the restrictions could be issued a $345 ticket, or if convicted in court, be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.
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