Effective at noon on August 17, 2009 and until further notice, campfires under Category 1 of Section 20 of the Wildfire Regulation are rescinded throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre, pursuant to Section 10(1) (a) of the Wildfire Act, except for the Kamloops and Lillooet Fire Zones and a southern portion of the Clearwater Fire Zone. All other criteria for open fire under Category 1 remain restricted, as well as all open fire throughout the fire centre under Category 2 and Category 3.

Campfire patrols will continue in all areas where the ban still applies and the public should ensure they are within the designated area before lighting a campfire.

Within prescribed areas, the lifting of a portion of this Category 1 fire ban applies to BC Parks and to all public (Crown) and private land outside of organized areas. It does not apply within municipalities or regional districts that have their own burning bylaws or bans. Please check with your local authorities before lighting a fire.

In the region governed by the Regional District of Okanagan - SImilkameen, a total fire ban remains in effect. Local residents should call the regional district to be sure that they are legally able to light a campfire at 1-877-610-3737, or locally at 250-492-0237.

This portion of the Category 1 fire ban has been rescinded due to the fire danger being lowered by recent rainfall and cooler temperatures throughout specific areas of Prince George Fire Centre. Regardless of the lower risk in these specific areas, the public is urged to remain vigilant and cautious with their use of campfires.

The Kamloops Fire Zone includes the area south towards Logan Lake, west to the Hat Creek valley, north towards Wells Gray Park and to the east of Adams Lake in the Shuswap area.

The Lillooet Fire Zone extends from the Hat Creek Valley in the east to the Cascade Mountains in the east and from Boston Bar in the south to the Churn Creek Provincial Park in the north.

The restricted area in the Clearwater Fire Zone extends from the northern tip of Adams Lake, for campsites at lake level only, south into the Kamloops Fire Zone.

On average, half of all of wildfires are caused by human activity. The BC Forest Service thanks the public for their co-operation in complying with the ban and assisting in the detection of wildfires. If you see a wildfire, please report it to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks. For more information on open fire restrictions or for updates on current wildfire activity, visit www.bcwildfire.ca