Campfires OK for long weekend, but Category 2 fires banned in Okanagan

WATCH: Despite wildfires already burning B.C.'s forests, there will be no camp fire ban this long weekend. As Angela Jung reports, campers say while they understand the importance of a ban, they're excited to have the full camping experience.The ban in the Kamloops Fire Centre will begin Friday at noon, though campfires are still allowed as the province gets ready to celebrate the May long weekend.

“This prohibition is being enacted to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety,” said the BC Wildfire Service.A Category 2 open fire is a pile of material that does not exceed two metres in height and three metres in width, or grass or stubble that does not exceed 0.2 of a hectare.BC Wildfire says anyone conducting Category 2 open fires in the region must extinguish them by noon on Friday.

Earlier this week, BC Wildfire said it wasn’t implementing any campfire prohibitions, but did ask the public to be vigilant.“We want people to enjoy the long weekend but do so responsibly,” said Cliff Chapman of BC Wildfire, “and if you see something, please call it in, even if you think it has already been called in.”Also Friday at noon, the Coastal Fire Centre will be banning Category 2 and 3 open fires. Those bans will be in place until Oct. 31 or until it’s rescinded.

BC Wildfire Service Okanagan Southern Interior Canada

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