In an effort to curb any human-caused wildfires, open fires will be banned in the Coastal Fire Region starting today at noon.
The ban covers the Coast Mountain Range, Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park, the Sunshine Coast, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii, and will remain in effect until Oct. 21 or until the public is notified.
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Fire prohibitions are being imposed throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes the Okanagan region, until Oct. 15.
During this time the restriction applies to: burning piled material smaller than two metres high and three metres wide, the burning of grass and the use of fireworks or burning barrels.
Anyone who lights, fuels or uses an open fire during the ban may be issued a ticket for $1,150 or if convicted in court could be fined up to $100,000 or sentenced to one year in jail.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-555.