As of Thursday, campfires will be prohibited in the Shuswap until further notice.
Confirmation was received Tuesday from Sicamous’ Fire Chief Brett Ogino and an official at the Salmon Arm Rapattack base that the Kamloops Fire Centre will be issuing a campfire ban, beginning Thursday and lasting until further notice.
The current fire danger rating in the Shuswap ranges from high to extreme, where new fires start easily, spread quickly and challenge fire suppression efforts.
A campfire ban refers to piled material no larger than half-a-metre in height and width, used for recreational or ceremonial purposes.
An open fire ban was put in place on June 15, prohibiting the burning of waste, as well as the use of fireworks.