Provincial State of Emergency & Travel Restrictions

https://news.gov.bc.ca/29391

Provincial State of Emergency: https://news.gov.bc.ca/29389

Emergency order frees up accommodation for evacuees, emergency personnel

To help ensure accommodation is available for critical-response personnel and the tens of thousands of people evacuated due to wildfires, the Province is restricting travel for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation in several communities in the Okanagan.

“Our Province is facing the worst wildfire season in our history. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated and crews on the ground are battling to save people’s homes,” said Premier David Eby. “We’re grateful for everyone who has listened to our call to change plans and not travel in the central Interior and the southeast. But very large numbers of people are evacuated in the Okanagan and we especially need more accommodation there. This order will help ensure we have accommodation available for the people who need it in this time of crisis.”

The Province is introducing a new order under the provincial state of emergency. Under this order, effective today until end of day on Sept. 4, 2023, people may not stay in temporary accommodations for non-essential purposes in several communities. This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds.

This order applies to temporary accommodation in the following cities:

• Kelowna-West Kelowna;
• Kamloops;
• Oliver;
• Osoyoos;
• Penticton; and
• Vernon.

“We’re repeating our call for people to not travel to the central Interior and southeastern B.C. – and we need people to cancel any non-essential travel that takes up accommodation in communities in the Okanagan,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “This new order will ensure that accommodation is available for evacuees and critical-response personnel like firefighters and health-care workers. We are working closely with the BC Hotel Association to quickly secure accommodations as they become available and are grateful for the industry’s co-operation in supporting people in our communities.”

The order does not impact travel through to other regions, but the Province is calling on everyone to avoid non-essential travel to the central Interior and southeast to ensure roadways are kept clear for emergency-response operations, including further evacuations. People should check information from the BC Wildfire Service, EmergencyInfoBC and DriveBC before heading out.

Essential travel includes:

• providing emergency or critical services;
• travelling for health or medical reasons;
• transporting essential goods and supplies;
• attending court or complying with a court order;
• attending a funeral service;
• avoiding the risk of abuse or violence;
• exercising parental responsibilities;
• attending classes or training; and
• exercising an Aboriginal or treaty right.

Drum for the Children - Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc

 Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc (Kamloops Indian Band)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Join Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc on September 30 at 2:15 pm Pacific to drum and sing for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools.

September 17, 2021, Kamloops – Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc calls on people worldwide to drum simultaneously for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools for the first Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, this September 30 at 2:15 pm Pacific time.

After a global outpouring of interest and support for the missing children from the Kamloops Indian Residential School, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is offering a way for people to connect, support and ground into the importance of this very first Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is calling upon people around the world to gather – safely – to drum and sing with us for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools.

“It’s time to honour the children, and the unrelenting spirit of these Ancestors. It’s time to drum for the healing of the Indian Residential Schools Survivors who carried the burden of knowing where the children were buried, and to drum for the healing of the families and communities whose children did not come home,” stated Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir.

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is urging everyone to learn the Secwepemc Honour Song so that all who join in may do so in unity with drumbeat and voice. The song is available through Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc social media channels as well as on the dedicated web page https://tkemlups.ca/drum/

“We invite you to share this song, to teach it and record it in schools, workplaces, and living rooms. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is calling upon the world to help us shine a light on truth, the pursuit of justice and peace, as well as healing for all affected by these beloved missing children. The confirmation of the missing children has impacted people locally, regionally, nationally and even globally. Secwepemc Elders have said that it is the children that are going to bring us together. We want to make the world a better place for children everywhere and give them hope and assurances, that every child matters,” declared Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir.

Contact: Racelle Kooy Email: media@kib.ca

Access to B-roll of Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir drumming in front of the Kamloops Indian Residential School and of the Secwepemc Honour Song Recording (featuring Secwepemc hand drummers): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Eyoe4vpa6X1uJPP6xaCENboCgCqa8mv/view?usp=sharing

Access to additional visual assets of “Every Child Matters Drum” and Tk’emlups te Secwepemc drum being struck (held against a blue sky background) can be downloaded from the dedicated web page: https://tkemlups.ca/drum/

200-330 Chief Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops BC V2H 1H1 Phone: 250-828-9700 Fax: 250-372-8833 www.tkemlups

DETAILS

Even though we are unable to gather together physically in great numbers due to COVID 19, we want to encourage a sense of unity and engagement so we ask everyone to join in drumming with us at 2:15 Pacific Time . We look forward to bearing witness to people joining us, from Secwepemcúlecw, our homelands, to around the world – connected by an honour song for the children in our care as well as for those laying to rest in other areas.

We chose 2:15 pm Pacific Time because as 215 was the number that made a ripple around the world at the end of May of this year (2021) about the truth of missing children in unmarked graves at the sites of former Indian Residential Schools as it revealed the truth of the historic mistreatment of Indigenous children. The time was chosen as a way to honour those who are currently in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc caretakership. Since the news about the 215 at Tk’emlúps, more missing children have been confirmed at other Indian Residential School sites in Canada and the United States. At Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, we know that our work has only just begun.

As this is a worldwide call out for participation, it is challenging to coordinate everyone online at the same so we request that you film yourself, post it on social media and tag us by using the hashtag #DrumForTheChildren

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Social Media : Twitter: @Tkemlups
Facebook: @TkemlupsteSecwepemc Instagram: @Tkemlups_te_Secwepemc

Dedicated Web Page: https://tkemlups.ca/drum/

Background

Canadian–National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, details of the federal legislation (Bill C-5):

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2020/09/government-of-canada-introduces-legislation-to- establish-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/corporate/transparency/open-government/standing-committee/dm- transition-material-2021/bill-c5-national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

Why is September 30th also know as Orange Shirt Day, the importance of orange as well as the origin of “Every Child Matters:

https://www.orangeshirtday.org/orange-shirt-society.html

BANS: Campfires, Fireworks, and Other Activities

News Release: June 28, 2021

Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the province of British Columbia.
This prohibition will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 15, 2021, or until the order is rescinded.

-------------------------------------

Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the province of British Columbia.

This prohibition will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 15, 2021, or until the order is rescinded.

The provincial weather forecast calls for record-breaking high temperatures throughout B.C. this week and follows a spring of lower-than-average precipitation in the southern half of the province. These conditions are expected to persist in the coming weeks.

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

The BC Wildfire Service takes these extreme heat conditions seriously. Additional precautions are being undertaken throughout the province, including fire warden patrols, fixed-wing aircraft patrols and an active enforcement presence. Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused fires.

The BC Wildfire Service is constantly monitoring current and forecast conditions and maintaining preparedness.

A campfire is defined as any fire smaller than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.

In addition to campfires, Category 2, and Category 3 open fires, the following activities are also prohibited:

• The use of fireworks
• The use of sky lanterns
• The use of burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
• The use of binary exploding targets
• The use of tiki and similar kinds of torches
• The use of chimineas
• The use of outdoor stoves or other portable campfire apparatus without a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriter Laboratories of Canada (ULC) rating
• The use of air curtain burners in Cariboo, Coastal, Northwest, Prince George and Southeast fire centres  

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

The FireSmart Begins at Home Manual was developed to help people reduce the risk of personal property damage due to wildfires. Download your copy here: https://firesmartbc.ca/resource-types/guides-manuals/

Learn More:

For further fire prevention information and resources, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention

People can follow the latest wildfire news from the BC Wildfire Service:
The free public mobile app, available for Apple (iOS): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bc-wildfire-service/id1477675008?ls=1
And Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.bc.gov.WildfireInformation&hl=en
Twitter: twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
Facebook: facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Save the date - BCLSS Annual Conference

Save the date - BCLSS Annual Conference The BCLSS is pleased to announce that our annual conference will be held in partnership with Lake Windermere Ambassadors (LWA) and Living Lakes Canada (LLC) in Invermere. This year, the theme is All Hands on Deck - Lake Stewardship in Climate Challenged Times. The event will be held at Windermere Community Hall from October 2-4, 2020. Keynote speaker will be Bob Sandford, Chair in Water and Climate Security at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health. Watch the BC Lake Stewardship Society website for information about this event.

No open burning in Thompson Okanagan!

News Release 

See full release

====snip====

As cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in BC continue to increase, the BC Centre for Dis- ease Control recommends implementing measures that help to reduce excess air pollution in populated airsheds across the province. There is strong evidence that exposure to air pollu- tion increases susceptibility to respiratory viral infections by decreasing immune function. This means that:

• Deterioration in air quality may lead to more COVID-19 infections overall,
• Deterioration in air quality may lead to more cases of severe COVID-19 infections, adding
  further demand to our healthcare system, and
• Improvements to air quality may help to protect the whole population from COVID-19 and its potentially severe effects.
  
  Evidence suggests that air pollution from combustion sources is most strongly associated with increased risk of viral infection, particularly vehicle emissions and biomass burning. At this time the BC Centre for Disease Control strongly recommends that open burning of biomass fuels be restricted in areas with high or moderate risk of population exposure to the resulting smoke. While the focus should remain on social distancing to prevent the spread of infection and re- duce the number of cases, keeping our air as clean as possible will also help to protect the population during this difficult period. For this reason The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is restricting open burning in some parts of the province. These restrictions will be evaluated on a daily basis; the area to which they apply may grow or diminish accordingly.

News Release: Government partners with communities on wildfire risks

News Release
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2018FLNR0259-001733 Sept. 10, 2018	Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
Government partners with communities on wildfire risks
WHISTLER – The new Community Resiliency Investment Program will provide up to $50 million over the next three years to local governments and First Nations to help reduce wildfire risks around their communities. “Wildfires don’t recognize the difference between municipal, on-reserve or provincial Crown land, and neither should the programs designed to address those fires,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “The new Community Resiliency Investment Program was designed from the ground up to address long-standing concerns with the way we were dealing with wildfire risks throughout the province.” The Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) Program takes a holistic approach to wildfire risk reduction and fuel management treatments, and will consider fire prevention activities on provincial Crown land and private land, in addition to local government and reserve land. “The First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of B.C. is proud to have collaborated on this project and assisted in developing a program that will serve to help reduce the risk of wildfire in and around Indigenous communities,” said Brent Langlois, executive director of the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of B.C. “Together we can help to mitigate wildfire risk and protect communities in British Columbia.” A key component of the new program is that it allows communities to apply for funding to cover up to 100% of their wildfire risk reduction projects, as opposed to the previous cost-sharing requirements. The types of activities eligible for funding have also been expanded to include more activities covered by the FireSmart program’s seven disciplines. “Local governments are looking for additional resources to reduce the risk of wildfire to their residents,” said Wendy Booth, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities. “This new program builds on previous investments and provides communities with more options on the types of land that can be treated.” As part of Budget 2018, the B.C. government committed $50 million over three years to help reduce wildfire risks around communities. Up to $10 million will be available in the 2018-19 fiscal year, with $20 million available in each of the following two fiscal years. The Community Resiliency Investment Program is a big part of this renewed commitment and it will replace the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative. The new program will include two distinct funding streams: FireSmart Community Funding and Supports: First Nations and local governments can apply for funding of up to $100,000 for activities that will help reduce wildfire risks. High Value Assets and Critical Infrastructure Protection: This program is currently being developed and will focus on protecting important, provincially owned infrastructure (such as power lines and highways) from wildfire threats. The first application intake for the Community Resiliency Investment Program (for up to $10 million in total in the 2018-19 fiscal year) opens Monday, Sept. 10, and will close on Dec. 7, 2018. Applications will be evaluated by the B.C. FireSmart Committee and project funding will be administered by the Union of B.C. Municipalities. “The Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. is pleased to collaborate with our partner agencies on the development of the CRI program,” said Steve Kozuki, executive director of the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. “We believe it’s important to have a co-ordinated effort like this, with specialists working together, to ensure both the resiliency and enhancement of B.C.’s forests now and in the future.” The Community Resiliency Investment Program is separate from and complements the funding program administered by the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. As of June 2018, the B.C. government has invested $235 million in the society, with over $134 million allocated to date for wildfire risk reduction, reforestation, forest rehabilitation, wildlife habitat restoration and raising awareness of the FireSmart program. Quick Facts: The number and severity of wildfires in B.C. has increased in recent years, resulting in more potential threats to life, property and quality of life. The Community Resiliency Investment Program will focus on mitigating risks to communities by addressing existing funding gaps and making more activities that align with FireSmart disciplines eligible for funding. The B.C. FireSmart Committee is a partnership between: the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development; the Office of the Fire Commissioner; the Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia; the Union of B.C. Municipalities; the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of B.C. and the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. Learn More: Applications for Community Resiliency Investment Program funding can be submitted through the Union of B.C. Municipalities website: www.ubcm.ca The FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual was developed to help people reduce the risk of personal property damage due to wildfires. The manual and more information about the FireSmart program are available here: http://gov.bc.ca/firesmart Read more about the FireSmart program on the FireSmart Canada website: https://www.firesmartcanada.ca/ A backgrounder follows.
Contact:
Media Relations Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development 250 356-7506

BACKGROUNDER
For Immediate Release 2018FLNR0259-001733 Sept. 10, 2018	Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
More fire prevention activities eligible for funding
Mitigating wildfire risks is a shared responsibility of the provincial government, local governments, First Nations, industry, stakeholders and individual British Columbians. FireSmart is the Canadian standard recognized by all provinces and territories for reducing wildfire risks. It is based on National Fire Protection Association standards that have evolved over the last 40 years. FireSmart is backed by a vast amount of field, laboratory and modelling research. Its methods have been demonstrated time and time again to reduce the risk of losses, under even the most extreme fire conditions. The types of fire prevention work eligible for funding under the new Community Resiliency Investment Program are being expanded to include more activities covered by the FireSmart program’s seven disciplines: education vegetation management legislation and planning development considerations inter-agency co-operation emergency planning cross-training Individual British Columbians can play a crucial role in mitigating wildfire risks on private property by undertaking FireSmart initiatives around their homes. The FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual includes a checklist to assess potential wildfire risks and advice on how to reduce those threats. The manual and more information about the FireSmart program are available here: http://gov.bc.ca/firesmart
Contact:
Media Relations Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development 250 356-7506

NEWS RELEASE: Ajax Mine Project - Public Comments Invited

NEWS RELEASE: Ajax Mine Project - Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, August 8, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) is conducting a federal environmental assessment of the proposed Ajax Mine Project, located near the City of Kamloops in British Columbia.

The project is subject to both the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and British Columbia's Environmental Assessment Act, and is undergoing a cooperative environmental assessment with B.C.'s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).

The Agency and the EAO invite the public to comment on the joint Federal Comprehensive Study / Provincial Assessment Report for the Ajax Mine Project. The joint Report includes the Agency's and the EAO's conclusions and recommendations regarding the implementation of mitigation measures and whether the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. A French version of the joint Report will be available on the Agency's website. 

The EAO also invites the public to comment on the potential Conditions, Summary Assessment Report, and Certified Project Description proposed for the provincial Environmental Assessment Certificate.

This is the final opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed project. All comments received will be considered public.

Written comments in either official language must be submitted by October 10, 2017 to either:

Ajax Mine Project	OR	Ajax Mine Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency		Environmental Assessment Office
410-701 West Georgia Street		P.O. Box 9426 Stn Prov Govt
Vancouver, British Columbia V7Y 1C6		Victoria, British Columbia V8W 9V1
Telephone: 604-666-2431		Fax: 250-387-0230
Ajax@ceaa-acee.gc.ca		www.eao.gov.bc.ca

As a next step, the federal and provincial governments will each make its environmental assessment decision according to the requirements of its respective legislation.

Associated Links

• Ajax Mine Project (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• Ajax Mine (Environmental Assessment Office)

Follow us on Twitter: @CEAA_ACEE

SOURCE Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency  

For further information: Karen Fish, Communications Advisor, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 613-552-1195, Karen.Fish@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

RELATED LINKS
http://www.ceaa.gc.ca

Declaration of State of Local Emergency

This TNRD declaration of state of local emergency pertains to Electoral Area J. A state of local emergency provides the TNRD with the authority to use necessary resources and to perform emergency work related to wildfires in the area.

Currently there are 14 wildfires larger than 0.01 hectares in Kamloops Fire Centre. This includes 1  fire of note: Elephant Hill (05/08/2017 15:26)

Off-road vehicles restricted in backcountry

While it seems like common sense during an extreme fire status, use of motorized vehicles and equipment in dry grass is extremely risky. Last weekend we witnessed someone riding a motorcycle up and down the Lac Le Jeune ski hill. Thankfully, this type of activity is now officially banned. 

Residents, please do not hesitate to call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 to report any motorized off-road activity.  

====================================NEWS RELEASE==============================

8/4/2017 11:00 AM

KAMLOOPS - Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017, the operation of any off-road vehicle for recreational purposes on Crown land will be prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre, Kamloops Fire Centre and Southeast Fire Centre. In addition, all on-highway vehicles must remain on defined road surfaces. This step is being taken to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. The operation of any off-road vehicles in these regions during the current wildfire situation creates a potential wildfire risk. While jeeps, trucks and other on-highway vehicles are permitted on designated roads, they are not allowed off-road. The prohibition of off-road vehicles and on-highway vehicles does not apply to private lands or national parks. It also does not apply to emergency responders or to agriculture or commercial/ industrial users who operate vehicles for farming, emergency response or business purposes. A map of the affected areas is available online at: http://ow.ly/QTm330e9G5n August is traditionally the most active part of the wildfire season. Given the number of fires currently burning in B.C., the elevated fire danger ratings and the extremely dry conditions in many parts of the province, the BC Wildfire Service is strongly urging British Columbians and visitors to stay out of the backcountry in these regions. The BC Wildfire Service is continually monitoring conditions and this prohibition may be expanded or rescinded as needed. In addition, the public is reminded that almost all provincial parks and all recreation sites and trails within the Cariboo Fire Centre are closed due to wildfire risk. The travelling public should visit "safety tips for B.C. travellers" at: www.bcwildfire.ca Anyone found in contravention of this off-road vehicle prohibition may be issued a violation ticket in the amount of $767. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs. To report an off-road violation, call the RAPP line at: 1 877 952-7277. ~ posted by Sylvia Currie ~

Plastic bags are no longer accepted in mixed recycling

News release: PDF

Plastic Bags Will Have to be Separated From Recyclables tnrd.ca For Immediate Release (July 28/17):

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s mixed recycling program will be undergoing a small change — starting Sept. 5, the TNRD will no longer be able to accept plastic bags in with mixed recycling.

Because recycling recovery facilities throughout B.C. have changed to meet new standards, these facilities are no longer able to process plastic bags in mixed recycling loads.

Plastic bags can still been taken to any TNRD Eco-Depot or Transfer Station to be recycled separately. Residents should also check to see if their grocery store has a plastic bag “take back” program, or inquire at their local bottle depot for recycling options.

There are also many ways to reuse plastic bags, such as garbage bags in vehicles or smaller garbage cans, or as padding in parcels and packages. They are also handy when cleaning up after pets.

If bags can’t be reused or recycled, they can be disposed of in household garbage.

News Release: Provincial State of Emergency Declared. July 7, 2017

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Emergency Management BC, this evening announced a provincial state of emergency to ensure a co-ordinated response to the current wildfire situation and to ensure public safety.

Today alone there have been 56 new wildfire starts throughout the province. Evacuation alerts and orders have been issued for Ashcroft, Cache Creek and Princeton. These are in addition to the evacuation orders and alerts issued yesterday for 105 Mile House and 108 Mile House. The extended weather forecast is calling for continued hot, dry weather, with risks of thunderstorms in many parts of the province.

Given the current wildfire situation and the expected increase in wildfire activity, the Province is taking this extraordinary measure of declaring a provincial state of emergency.

This is an urgent situation and public safety is the top priority. The Province will continue to keep the public informed in this rapidly evolving situation.

The state of emergency gives agencies such as Emergency Management BC, the Fire Commissioner, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the RCMP authority under the Emergency Program Act to take every action necessary to fight these wildfires and protect residents and their communities.

Background

Declarations of provincial states of emergency are issued by the minister responsible under the Emergency Program Act. The last provincial declaration of state of emergency was issued in August 2003 to deal with wildfires.

Learn More:

For information on evacuation orders and alerts, visit Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

Keep up-to-date on the provincial wildfire situation: www.bcwildfire.ca

News Release: Campfire Ban

See map (PDF) 

Campfires to be banned within the Kamloops Fire Centre

7/7/2017 12:19 PM
KAMLOOPS - Effective at noon on Friday, July 7, 2017, campfires are prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

This campfire ban will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified.

The Kamloops Fire Centre is currently experiencing hot and dry conditions and fire danger ratings are generally "high" or "extreme" throughout the fire centre. Prohibitions on Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are already in effect throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.

To learn about the differences between campfires, Category 2 open fires and Category 3 open fires, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirebans - or review the open fire regulations poster at: www.gov.bc.ca/openfireregs

Specifically, prohibited activities once the campfire ban takes effect will include:

• campfires, as defined in the wildfire regulation: www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirelegislation
• the burning of waste or other materials
• stubble or grass fires of any size over any area
• the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, tiki torches, chimineas, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description
• the use of binary exploding targets (e.g., for target practice)
• the use of air curtain burners (forced air burning systems)

These prohibitions do not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire apparatus with a CSA or ULC rating that uses briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel - as long as the height of the flame is less than 15 centimetres. The use of a campfire apparatus that does not meet these specifications is prohibited.

These prohibitions cover all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands, but do not apply within the boundaries of a local government that has forest fire prevention bylaws and is serviced by a fire department. Always check with local authorities to see if any other burning restrictions are in place before lighting any fire.

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news:
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Contact:
Jody Lucius
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Kamloops Fire Centre
250 554-5965

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

News Release: Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

May 7 is national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day

5/6/2016 11:00 AM

VICTORIA - British Columbia is experiencing an early and active start to the wildfire season, so it's more important than ever for communities and individuals to do their part to help protect homes, resources and infrastructure from wildfire threats. FireSmart Canada has declared May 7, 2016 as the second annual Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, which is an ideal opportunity for communities throughout B.C. to learn more about preventing fires and reducing wildfire risks. Individual homeowners are also encouraged to take a really close look at their properties to determine how they could make them more fire-resistant by using simple FireSmart principles. In September 2015, the B.C. government and the Union of B.C. Municipalities launched the $500,000 FireSmart Community Grant Program to encourage more communities to participate in the FireSmart program. The recently updated FireSmart Homeowner's Manual was developed specifically to help homeowners reduce the risk of personal property damage from wildfire. The manual contains lots of helpful fire prevention tips and is available online at: http://bcwildfire.ca/Prevention/firesmart.htm FireSmart activities may include: * trimming and thinning out trees, shrubs and other vegetation * removing flammable material from the property, such as dead wood or tree needles * ensuring that woodpiles and other easily ignited items are stored away from buildings * using fire-resistant construction and landscaping materials Anyone heading out to B.C.'s beautiful backcountry must remain vigilant when doing any open burning, since conditions are very dry in some areas of the province. Information about current campfire and open burning prohibitions is available on the BC Wildfire Service website at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp People must also obey any local government fire bylaws and restrictions that may be in place in their area and should contact local authorities before igniting any fire. Wildfire prevention is everyone's responsibility and failing to use fire properly comes at a greater cost than ever. On April 1, 2016, the B.C. government significantly increased ticket fines for 19 different violations under the Wildfire Act and seven violations under the Wildfire Regulation. For example, the fine for failing to comply with a fire restriction under the Wildfire Act has more than tripled - from $345 to $1,150. If open burning is allowed in your area, always have enough people, water and tools on hand to prevent the fire escaping. Never burn in windy conditions and never leave a fire unattended for any length of time. Anyone who spots a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation should immediately call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. Up-to-date information about current wildfire activity is available online at: http://www.bcwildfire.ca You can also follow the latest wildfire news: * On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo * On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo Quotes: Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations - "Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility of the provincial government, local governments, industry stakeholders and individual British Columbians. We will continue to raise public awareness of potential wildfire threats and promote the FireSmart program to help protect our communities, resources and infrastructure." Al Richmond, president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities - "The risk of wildfire is real for many B.C. communities. Wildfire Community Preparedness Day provides an opportunity for community leaders and residents to build their knowledge about how to prevent wildfires and reduce risks. I welcome this day and appreciate the resources made available through the FireSmart program." Quick Facts: * The B.C. government introduced the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative in 2004 to help local governments and First Nations reduce the risk of interface wildfires, where urban developments border on forests and grasslands. As of May 6, 2016, about $78 million has been allocated to this program to help reduce wildfire risks around their communities. Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative funding is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. * As part of Budget 2016, the B.C. government invested $85 million to create the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. This new society will focus on wildfire risk reduction to complement the ministry's existing forest stewardship programs and world-class wildfire suppression capabilities. * As of March 31, 2016, 290 Community Wildfire Protection Plans have been completed by local governments and First Nations and another 55 are in progress. These plans identify areas at risk and prescribe fuel management projects to address those risks. As of March 31, 2016, completed fuel treatments and risk reduction efforts from all projects covered more than 79,947 hectares of land in and around communities that face a significant wildfire risk. Learn More: FireSmart Canada: https://www.firesmartcanada.ca/ FireSmart Homeowner's Manual: http://bit.ly/1RQXFzd Fire prevention tips: http://bcwildfire.ca/Prevention/ Poster explaining different categories of open fires: bit.ly/1GlhE9l Open burning guides and current burning prohibitions: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp Factsheet on wildfire prevention:https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/factsheet-forest-fire-prevention-is-everyones-responsibility Union of B.C. Municipalities: http://www.ubcm.ca/ Media Contact: Kevin Skrepnek Chief Fire Information Officer BC Wildfire Service Provincial Wildfire Coordination Centre 250 312-3051 Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

Press Release: Door To Door Sales People

For immediate release

 

The Logan Lake RCMP Detachment has received a complaint of aggressive door-to-door sales of a water softener system. Reportedly the salesperson uses high-pressure sales tactics to sell the system which may not be required by the homeowner at a price much higher than market value. The person may be using chemicals to cause normal minerals dissolved in the water to react, become visible and float to the surface. It is completely normal to have minerals in tap water. Also the person may be implying that sodium in water impacts blood pressure, there are concerns about contaminated drinking water, and so on.

 

RCMP would like to remind the public to treat strangers selling items with caution. Be sure and ask for identification. If you feel at all suspicious or pressured, turn them away. If you are interested in what is being sold, it is always a good practice to contact a few local, reputable companies for a second opinion before making any purchase and obtain some estimates. You may find that the service is not recommended or required, or that you can obtain the same service for a better price.

 

Canada has some of the finest drinking water in the world. While there have been extremely rare and isolated incidents of water-borne illness in Canada, a water softener does not purify your water.

 

The water in Logan Lake is not treated as it naturally meets the Canadian Drinking Water Standards; and the Department of Health in Kamloops tests the water on a weekly basis.

Source: District of Logan Lake website http://www.loganlake.ca/residents/services/utilities

 

 

D.T.S. (Dan) SCHENKEVELD, Cst.

R.C.M.P. Logan Lake Detachment

2 Galena Avenue, Logan Lake, B.C.

Mail | Courrier: P.O. Box 160, Logan Lake, B.C. V0K 1W0

Telephone | Téléphone: 250-523-6222

Facsimile | Télécopieur: 250-523-9821

E-mail | Courriel: dan.schenkeveld@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Royal Canadian Mounted Police | Gendarmerie royale du Canada

Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada

Skype Fraud

Incident Date: October 29, 2013 at 1015 AM at 1015 AM

Summary: Skype Incident / Possible Fraud Attempt

Location: Logan Lake

An old Skype account was "hacked" and used in what is believed to be an attempt fraud through misleading the recipient of the call.  The caller used an old unused account of the Grand daughter of the recipient. An unknown male could be viewed in the video screen and a female voice could be heard (but not seen). The female voice sounded distressed in that she was crying and whimpering.  The recipient was understandably upset by what they heard and could see and thus called the Grand daughter and was able to confirmed everything was okay and that it was not her using the account.  No money was asked for at the time and the call was ended.

Police want to remind the Community that these types of calls do occur and are another form of fraud and impersonation. If this should occur, please report to the police so that this type of offence can be tracked and also, block the caller and report the incident to Skype as a misuse of the account. If possible confirm with the owner of the account that they are not the originator of the message, so that they known their account has been compromised. DON'T SEND MONEY when requested...if this is a "true" incident, police need to be made aware and other measures can be taken.

Caution by any person should be taken when anyone asks for money over the phone, Internet or other means of communication where the true identity of the person cannot be confirmed. There are many forms of fraud and if you are not sure, make some inquiries before proceeding.

Cpl. Kathleen THAIN

NCO i/c Logan Lake RCMP Detachment

Logan Lake RCMP News Release: Shed B&E

We have had another report of a theft in the Lac Le Jeune area.

Click the image for a larger view

Cpl. K. THAIN

NCO 1/c Logan Lake RCMP

Logan Lake RCMP News Release: Cabin B&E

Just a reminder to all those who have cabins in the area and are only seasonal users...Lock up and check your cabin or have someone check your cabin intermittently through the cold season.

Click the image for a larger view

Cpl. K. THAIN

NCO 1/c Logan Lake RCMP