In the Kamloops, Vernon, Penticton, Merritt and Lillooet fire zones, the existing Category 2 and 3 burning prohibitions will remain in place until Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015, or until the public is informed otherwise.

A map of the affected areas is available online:

The open fire prohibition applies to:

* The burning of any waste, slash or other materials.

* The burning of stubble or grass.

* The use of fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels of any size or
description.

This prohibition does not ban campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide (or smaller) and does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes.

Anyone who lights a fire must have sufficient personnel, water and tools on hand to prevent the fire from escaping.

This prohibition covers all B.C. parks, Crown lands and private lands, but it does not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws in place and is serviced by a fire department. Before lighting any fire, residents should check with local civic authorities regarding any other restrictions.