Open burning season will begin for eligible property owners on October 1st, and continue until April 30th.
Burning permits are available from fire departments in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland, and permit holders must call the Outdoor Burning Hotline at 1-855-262-2876, or go to regionaldistrict.com/airquality before lighting a fire to make sure that the air quality conditions are good that day.
Any residents of the Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside, or Wilson's Landing fire departments can obtain a permit by calling the Regional District at 250-469-6223.
Bylaws prohibit nuisance smoke from open burning in the Central Okanagan, and permit holders can reduce this by igniting fires after 10:00 AM (when venting conditions are favourable), only burning branches and stumps that have been dried for at least two years, and using smaller piles with good air ventilation.
Under those same bylaws, yard waste, such as leaves, pine needles, weeds, or grass clippings, are not allowed to be burned.
Any violaters could face a fine, as well as being charged with the cost of putting out a fire.
Campfires remain banned year-round throughout the City of Kelowna.