Map of  Areas impacted by  fire bans,  map courtesy BC Wildfire Branch

Williams Lake, B.C., In an effort to protect public safety, the provincial government will begin campfire and open fire bans starting Wednesday at noon in the Cariboo Fire Centre.

According to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, the campfire bans will take place west of the Fraser River.

According to the Ministry, they won't apply to propane, briquettes or cooking stoves that use gas but will apply to campfires, open fires in an outdoor stove, tiki torches and unapproved portable campfire apparatus.

As for open fires, they will be banned throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre including the burning of barrels, sky lanterns, and fireworks.

Here are the areas outlined by the Cariboo Fire Centre:

Area 1, West of the Fraser River

• Campfires
• Category 2 Open Fires
• Category 3 Open Fires
• Fireworks, including firecrackers
• Sky lanterns
• Burning barrels, chimineas (wood-burning patio heaters), tiki-type torches
• Outdoor stoves and portable campfire apparatus that are not CSA or ULC approved, or if the flame exceeds a height of 15 centimetres 

Area 2,  East of the Fraser River:

• Category 2 open fires
• Category 3 open fires
• Fireworks, including firecrackers
• Sky lanterns
• Burning barrels

These bans will remain in place until September 30, 2014 or until the Ministry deems necessary. Fines for anyone guilty of violating an open fire ban may be given a $345 ticket or if convicted in court up to $100,000 and a year in jail.