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By Dylana Kneeshaw

FIRE PREVENTION

Wildfire danger rating climbs higher in Kamloops Fire Centre

Jul 9, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Hot weather and the increased fire risk will soon put an end to campfires in the Kamloops Fire Centre for the rest of the summer.

Starting this Friday at 12:00 p.m., all Category Two and Three open fires and campfires will be banned within the Kamloops Fire Centre. Tuesday afternoon (July 9), the province announced the entire province would be subject to a campfire ban as of Friday, with the exception of Haida Gwaii. Those caught violating the order could be fined or even face jail time.

Fire Information Officer Aydan Coray says the recent heat wave, dry conditions carried over from last year’s drought status and low humidity have changed the fire risk.

“The Kamloops Fire Centre is generally at ‘moderate-to-high’ [Tuesday] for the fire danger rating, and as we move through the week and see that drying trend continue, we may see that increase to ‘high’ across the centre, as well,” explains Coray.

May and June were rainy and mild compared to previous years, but July arrived with dry conditions and record-breaking temperatures. The start of traditional wildfire season for this area hasn’t been as aggressive as previous years, but that could change with several months left in peak fire season.

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“This year, we’ve had 66 fire starts in the Kamloops Fire Centre region since April 1. Last year at this time we were at 145 (fire starts) and the 10-year average is around 120,” says Coray. “We are below the average for this time compared to the last ten years, which is good. But as we head in, we’re still looking ahead to any potential fire starts that we may see on the landscape.”

Wildfire sightings can be reported with a cell phone by dialing *5555 or through the BC Wildfire Service app, which also accepts photo submissions with reports.