In conjunction with the Southeast Fire Centre (SEFC), campfires will be banned in the City of Castlegar and the surrounding area beginning at noon on Thursday, Aug. 4.
The prohibition will remain in place until the SEFC rescinds its order.
A campfire ban includes any type of burning that creates sparks. It doesn’t matter if it is small, in a fire ring or in a fire bowl — it’s not allowed.
The campfire ban is in addition to the Category 2 and Category three bans already in place. These bans prohibit the use of burn barrels, sky lanterns, exploding targets, tiki torches, chimneas, air curtain burners and other similar devices as well as larger fires.
“With extended high temperatures and dry conditions, we’re asking the community to take this ban very seriously,” says Fire Chief Sam Lattanzio. “We do everything we can to keep our community safe and we’re now asking the community to take all the precautions to prevent fires during these times.”
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, receive a penalty of up to $10,000 or be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
READ MORE: Fire destroys Robson home
newsroom@castlegarnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter