A campfire ban in Revelstoke will go into place starting Friday, July 3, at noon, the Southeast Fire Centre announced today.
The ban encompasses the entire fire centre, from the U.S. border to Mica in the north, and from the Alberta border to the Okanagan Highlands in the west.
The ban goes into effect following a weekend where the temperature soared to almost 40 C in Revelstoke. While it did rain and cool down on Monday, it is expected to be hot and sunny for the foreseeable future, according to Environment Canada.
Monday's rain lowered the wildfire danger rating throughout the region, but it is expected to go up again throughout the week.
The Southeast Fire Centre website says a small fire is burning west of Revelstoke in the Wap Creek area just south of Three Valley Gap. There is also a 40 hectare fire burning in a remote section of the Rocky Mountains north of Golden.
The prohibition includes all campfires, burning of waste or other material, stubble or grass fires, the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, tiki torches, burning barrels and burning cages; the use of exploding targets, and the use of force air burning systems.
The ban is in place until further notice. Violations can result in a $345 ticket, and if charges are pursued, the penalty is up to a $100,000 fine or one year in jail.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.