The North Okanagan is getting a two-day jump on the province’s upcoming campfire ban for the Southern Interior.
On Tuesday, the City of Vernon announced that it will prohibit all fires on Wednesday, July 10, at noon.
That news comes 24 hours after the BC Wildfire Service said on Monday that it will be implementing its annual campfire ban for the Kamloops Fire Centre on Friday, July 12, at noon.
Vernon’s ban, like the provincial order, will be in effect until Oct. 11, unless it’s rescinded earlier.
Notably, the campfire ban does not apply to CSA-rated or ULC-rated cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.
The City of Vernon says the local fire danger rating is high, and that “the ban is intended to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.”
The city says non-compliance could result in a fine of up to $1,000, and added that “if the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.”
In the Central Okanagan, the City of Kelowna has a year-round ban on campfires and outdoor wood-burning appliances, such as fire pits and wood stoves.
In related news, the City of Vernon issued a reminder that fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited within city limits.
It said that on the evening of July 9, the fire department received “multiple complaints about fireworks in the Okanagan Landing area.”
“With the extreme temperatures and prolonged drought conditions currently being experienced, it’s important residents and visitors remain vigilant and take care to ensure that activities undertaken are not a source of fire ignition,” said deputy fire chief Brain Parsons.
“Also, a reminder that fireworks, sky lanterns and campfires are banned in the area. Contravention of these orders could result in significant fines.”