Ban on category 2 fires ending in Thompson-Nicola, Okanagan

After four months, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says category two open fires will be allowed in the Thompson-Nicola, Shuswap and Okanagan regions.

The ban, which has been in place since mid-May, will be lifted at noon on Wednesday.

That means fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets and burn barrels or burn cages will be allowed throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Category two open burns include fires that do not exceed two metres in height and three metres in width or stubble or grass that doesn’t exceed 0.2 hectares.

According to the BCWS, cooler temperatures “good overnight relative humidity recoveries” and forecasted weather patterns have made conditions favourable to remove the ban.

“The seasonal fall temperatures and significant precipitation over the last few weeks had a positive impact on the Kamloops Fire Centre's fire danger rating,” said the BCWS in a news release.

The Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes Kamloops, Lillooet, Merritt, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton, currently has a low fire danger rating with pockets of moderate rating.

Although the forecast is leaning more to the cooler fall time weather, category three open fires remain prohibited throughout Kamloops Fire Centre.

Additionally, the BCWS reminds people to check with their local government for localized burning restrictions.

The BCWS also urges the public to be cautious when doing any outdoor burning, including ensuring there are enough people, water and tools on hand to control the fire and to not burn in windy conditions.