With wet and cool weather patterns having recently moved into the area, category 2 and 3 fires are now permitted in the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes Merritt.

“The BC Wildfire Service takes several factors into account before rescinding its open burning prohibitions,” reads a release from the BC Wildfire Service. “This includes balancing the needs of the public with the need to mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires. With recent and forecast weather conditions that include cooler temperatures, and higher humidity, the fire danger rating has dropped throughout most of the Kamloops Fire Centre.”

The ban relaxation comes into effect at noon on Fri. Sept. 24. A category 2 fire consists of one to two concurrently burning piles no larger than two-metres high by three-metres wide, or stubble or grass that is burning over an area of less than 0.2-hectares.

Category 3 fires are any fire larger than two-metres high by three-metres wide, one or more burning windrows, or stubble or grass burning over an area greater than 0.2-hectares. Anyone lighting a Category 3 open fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717.

Fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, and burn cages are no longer restricted.

Category 2 and 3 fires were first banned in mid-June, while Category 1 campfires were also banned later that month due to inclement hot and dry weather.

Campfires, which are any controlled burns less than 0.5-metres high by 0.5-metres wide, were once again allowed as of Sept. 10.

The Kamloops Fire Centre extends from the northern border of Wells Gray Provincial Park to the U.S. border in the south, and from the Bridge River Glacier west of Gold Bridge to the Monashee Mountains east of Lumby.

The Centre notes that local governments still have the power to enable their own burning restrictions, and residents should always check with local authorities for any regulations before burning.