Due to increased wildfire risk, the Penticton Fire Department is issuing a campfire ban.
As of July 31, the South Okanagan, including Penticton, is at a high fire danger rating.
That means forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious.
“New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts,” said the BC Wildfire Service online update.
The ban will remain in effect until further notice, said the city in a news release.
“With hot temperatures in the forecast this weekend and based on the wildfire conditions within neighbouring communities, we’re taking precautionary steps to reduce the risk of new wildfires,” says Fire Chief Mike Larsson.
“We ask that everyone take extra care in the coming days and weeks, not only within Penticton, but also if you’re hiking or biking in the backcountry.”
The ban includes portable wood-burning fireplaces, fireworks, the city’s beach fire pits, the burning of any waste, stubble or grass fires of any size, sky lanterns, tiki torches, chimineas, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description.
The use of binary exploding targets (e.g., for target practice) and the use of air curtain burners are also prohibited.
The ban does not restrict fires in cooking stoves using gas, propane or briquettes or portable campfire apparatus with a CSA or ULC rating if the flame height does not exceed 15 centimetres.
Category three fires have been banned across the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes Penticton, since May 16.
Category two fires were banned in the Thompson-Okanagan on June 13.
