Photo: Castanet

The City of Penticton has announced a ban on all open burning, including campfires and fireworks, that will start on Thursday.

In response to the increased wildfire conditions, the ban will come into effect at noon in the City of Penticton.

The City’s said their ban aligns with the ban that comes into effect at 12 p.m. on Thursday as well, in the majority of British Columbia.

While the ban does not restrict fires in cooking stoves using gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire apparatus with a CSA or ULC rating (providing the flame height does not exceed 15 centimetres), it does restrict fires in portable wood-burning fireplaces and campfires.

The city's beach fire pits will also not be used while the ban is in place.

Specifically, prohibited activities once the temporary ban takes effect will include:

• campfires, as defined in the wildfire regulation: www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirelegislation
• the burning of waste or other materials
• stubble or grass fires of any size over any area
• the use of fireworks, 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)
• the use of air curtain burners (forced air burning systems)

The City of Penticton reminds residents to be prepared for wildfire season by having an emergency plan in place and applying FireSmart principles to their home and properties.

For further information or to receive a free home assessment contact [email protected]