B.C. campfire ban now applies to all regions

SMITHERS, B.C. - Campfires have been banned across British Columbia.

The Northwest Fire Centre is the latest to restrict campfires, citing the high fire risk from hot and dry weather over most of the province and the number of fires being fought.

The BC Wildfire Service says more lightning is in the forecast and resources need to focus on existing blazes and new fires that are naturally caused.

Lightning is blamed for sparking many of the wildfires that broke out late last week, bringing the total number to more than 225, including at least 12 that are threatening homes from Williams Lake in the central Interior to Princeton in southern B.C.

Campfire bans across the province are expected to remain in place until Oct. 21.

Violators could face individual fines of up to $1,150. If the fire results in a wildfire, its starter could face fans of between $100,000 and $1 million, and face one year in prison.

If a prohibited campfire causes a wildfire, those responsible may also have to pay all associated firefighting costs.

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  Paul Black plays with his dogs on the North Thompson River as smoke from wildfires burning in central B.C. fills the air, in Kamloops, B.C., on Monday, July 10, 2017. More than 200 wildfires are burning in the province and an estimated 14,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck