Camping season and warm summer nights are around the corner, prompting the Kelowna Fire Department to remind residents and visitors that campfires and outdoor wood burning appliances, including wood-fueled fire pits, are not permitted within City limits at any time. This includes private property.
In addition, campfires and briquette barbecues are not allowed in City or Regional District of Central Okanagan parks. Barbecues are allowed on beaches within the City of Kelowna. Smoking is banned from all City and regional parks and beaches.
“Warm and dry conditions have created a vulnerable natural environment,” said Rick Euper, Fire and Life Safety Educator with the Kelowna Fire Department. “A spark from a campfire can easily jump and ignite surrounding kindling. It wouldn’t take much in these conditions for a fire to spread in either rural or urban areas, and the impact could be disastrous.”
Euper recommends a safer option for the backyard is a propane fire pit. But even then, never leave an open-flame unattended and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Smokers should also remember to safely dispose of their smoking materials, for example in a bucket of water.
Anyone found violating the City’s Fire and Life Safety Bylaw (no. 10670) risks facing a $345 fine.
The reminder follows notice given by the Kamloops Fire Centre that open fires in all of its regional zones is restricted, this includes in Kelowna. Crews are already battling wildfires in the Kamloops fire-zone and the notice aims to help prevent human-caused wildfires.
Within the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, open burning has not been allowed since April 30. The season will reopen on October 1, conditions permitting. A valid permit obtained from the Fire Department is required to conduct open burning.
Anyone who sees smoke or fire in any park should immediately call *5-5-5-5, the B.C. Wildfire Management Branch or 9-1-1.
For more information and fire prevention tips, visit kelowna.ca/fire.