Open burning season in the Central Okanagan finishes Monday, April 30th.
The Regional District and local fire bylaws permit open burning from October 1st until April 30th for residents with properties bigger than one hectare. The dates are also flexible because of varying risks. “Fire Chiefs throughout the region have the ability to adjust those dates accordingly, based on the fire hazard in their area,” explains Bruce Smith, Communications Officer for the Regional District of Central Okanagan.
The end of open burning season shouldn’t be confused with campfire laws. Smith says, “Within the City of Kelowna campfires are not allowed at any time. The other municipalities, residents should check with their municipality and fire department to determine whether a campfire is allowed.”
Burning Tidbits:
- Eligible property owners with a valid permit must call the toll-free Outdoor Burning Hotline: 1-855-262-2876 (BURN) to find out if burning is allowed that day.
- On days when open burning is allowed, it’s recommended that debris piles be ignited after 10:00 am, when proper venting conditions are more likely to exist.
- Violators can be fined or charged with the cost of putting out the fire.
- Residents are encouraged to report illegal burning by calling the Regional Fire Dispatch Center at 250-469-8577.