Penticton issues fire ban as hot, dry weather continues

PENTICTON – Hot and dry weather conditions in the Peach City have prompted city officials to implement a temporary fire ban.

The ban comes into effect at noon tomorrow, Friday, July 20, according to a City of Penticton media release. Until further notice, all open burning including campfires and fireworks will be prohibited within city boundaries.

Other prohibited activities include campfires, waste burning, grass fires, and the use of binary exploding targets and air curtain burners.

The ban does not restrict fires in cooking stoves using gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire, providing the flame does not exceed 15 centimetres, the city says.

Beach fire pits will also be decommissioned during the ban.

The city says anyone found in violation of an open fire ban, including campfires or backyard fires, may be fined, adding anyone who causes a wildfire through arson or recklessness may also be fined up to $1 million, spend up to three years in prison and be held accountable for associated firefighting costs.

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