The Forests Ministry will ban most open fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes the Nicola Valley, effective at noon on May 15.

According to a statement from the ministry, the ban applies to stubble or grass fires or any size, using fireworks or burning barrels, having more than two open fires at the same time, and any fires that are larger than one metre by one metre in area. 

 “Since April 1, Kamloops Fire Centre crews have responded to wildfire incidents covering more than 100 hectares. Many of these wildfires resulted from poorly planned open burning,” the statement read.

Campfires that are half a metre by half a metre or smaller are still allowed. Cooking stoves that use gas, propane, or charcoal briquettes are also allowed.

The fire ban begins on May 15 at noon, except in the Clearwater and Salmon Arm fire zones, where it will take effect on June 15. At that point, the Forests Ministry will ban all open burning in the Kamloops Fire Centre.
The ban applies to all public and private land, except within local government boundaries, such as in the City of Merritt. Those areas are subject to municipal regulations.

The ban will stay in effect until Oct. 15 or until further notice.