The BC Wildfire Service says a campfire ban will come into effect across much of British Columbia, including the Kamloops and Cariboo fire centres, at noon this Thursday, June 8.

The ban – which will also include the Coastal and Prince George fire centres, and the Nadina Fire Zone in the Northwest Fire Centre – will take effect exactly three weeks after the Thompson-Nicola Regional District – specifically Barriere mayor Ward Stamer – called for one in the Kamloops area, citing the hot and dry conditions ahead of the May Long weekend.

“Camping is a long-standing tradition in this province,” the BC Wildfire Service said Tuesday. “The B.C. government recognizes that people also enjoy having campfires, so it takes any decision to implement a campfire ban very seriously.”

The ban prohibits the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels and burn cages, binary exploding targets, air curtain burners, tiki-torches, and chimineas.

“This prohibition does not include the use of outdoor stoves,” the Wildfire Service added.

“As per the Wildfire Regulation, an outdoor stove is a CSA-rated or ULC-rated device used outdoors for cooking, heat or ambiance that burns charcoal briquettes, liquid fuel or gaseous fuel, and has a flame height that is less than 15 cm tall.”

Larger Category 2 and 3 fires have already been prohibited across the Kamloops Fire Centre since May 18. Those larger fires are not allowed anywhere in British Columbia.

At this time, no campfire ban is scheduled for the Southeast Fire Centre.

“Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from naturally caused fires,” the statement added. “Always practice safe, responsible open fire use.”

As always people can report wildfires, unattended campfires, or open burning violation by calling 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

For the latest on provincial bans or restrictions, go here. For the Fire Danger Rating across B.C., go here.