As temperatures are set to climb this weekend, Environment Canada has released a weather warning for the East Kootenay area.
The Southern Interior will be expecting a prolonged period of hot, dry weather and residents are warned to be cautious of fire risk as well as heat-related illness.
Daytime highs over the weekend and early into next week are expected to climb up to 30-35 degrees, according to Environment Canada.
The weather warning comes at an apt time, as the fire ban that had been put in place in the Southeast Fire Centre was partially rescinded effective Thursday, June 4.
Due to a perceived decreased risk of wildfires, Category 2 open fires are once again being permitted in the area.
Category 2 fires allow residents to concurrently burn one to two piles no larger than 2 metres high by three metres wide.
The lifting of the ban applies to all BC Parks, Crown lands and private lands.
Those who plan on conducting an open burn should be sure to follow proper safety measures.
Not burning during windy conditions, ensuring the fire is completely extinguished and ashes are cold before leaving the area and never leaving a fire unattended are leading safety precautions.
Other safety precautions as the area heats up include watching for symptoms of heat illness. These can include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, rapid breathing and heartbeat as well as extreme thirst.
Liquids and remaining in cool places are best recommended.
For more information on campfire differentiations, visit www.bcwildfire.ca. To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
Future forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada will be available at www.weather.gc.ca.