By Tanya Cronin

Long weekend results in campfire violations

May 24, 2016 | 4:31 PM

KAMLOOPS — The soggy long weekend led to a lot of disappointed campers within the Kamloops Fire Centre, but it didn’t keep some from being careless with their fires.

Fire Information Officers in the Kamloops Fire Centre say compliance and enforcement officers were out all weekend, patrolling campgrounds and common recreational sites, and were kept busy.

“There wEre approximately 6 abandoned campfires in the Kamloops zone and the Vernon zone, that’s an issue, you can’t abandon a campfire if it’s still warm to the touch you have to put it out and wait for the ashes to go cold, before leaving the site,” says Rachel Witt, Kamloops Fire Information Officer.

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An unattended campfire could have the potential to spread and cause a serious wildfire. Fire officials remind the public that a little rain in the forecast won’t extinguish a campfire on it’s own. Anyone found in violation of starting a wildfire, could face a hefty fine.  

“If you’re found in contravention of an open burning prohibition you can be fined up to $1150 pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or if you’re convicted in court you can pay a fine of up to $100,000 or face a year in jail, so it’s a serious issue,” says Witt.