By James Peters

Open burning ban takes effect May 15

May 12, 2016 | 10:14 AM

KAMLOOPS — The annual slate of open burning bans begins in the Kamloops Fire Centre this weekend.

As of noon on Sunday, all Category Two and Category Three fires will be prohibited, mainly affecting slash burning and controlled grass fires.

Fire Information Officer Rachel Witt says firefighters have already responded to 36 wildfires in the Kamloops Fire Centre this season, many of which were caused by open burning that was poorly planned and became uncontrolled.

“We’re under the ten year average, but it’s still a bit high,” said Witt.

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The fire danger rating is moderate to high in most of the fire centre.

“Even though it might feel like it’s cooling down, people still need to use caution because we still are at risk of fires,” said Witt. 

Campfires will still be allowed until further notice.

The Category Two and Three ban will be in place until at least October 15.

“The open burning prohibition is actually a date-driven prohibition. It’s on May 15 every year,” noted Witt. “We do this so that it’s in people’s heads and they can prepare, fire smart their landscape and burn their slash piles before the prohibition goes into effect.”