The start of open burning in the Central Okanagan is delayed until October 15.
While Kamloops Fire Centre may lift restrictions, the Central Okanagan continues to experience high temperatures, dry conditions and high to extreme fire danger ratings.
Central Okanagan fire departments will not issue outdoor burning permits and will reevaluate the situation in early October or if the fire risk decreases. The decision was made in alignment with partners at BC Wildfire Service, as Category 2 and Category 3 Open Burning remains prohibited in the Kamloops Fire Centre (which includes the Central Okanagan).
The Kamloops Fire Centre will lift the campfire ban effective at noon on September 29. Local campfire bans will be lifted in conjunction with BC Wildfire Service. This applies to all local government fire jurisdictions in the Central Okanagan, including the City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Westbank First Nation and the Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside and Wilson’s Landing fire service areas in the Regional District’s Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas. Campfires are not permitted at any time within the City of Kelowna.
Residents are encouraged to report anyone who is illegally burning by calling the Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577.
Normally, when the fire hazard allows, open burning permits run from October 1 through April 30 for eligible property owners in the Central Okanagan. Burning is only allowed on days when both the air quality and venting indices are good.
Information about open burning and qualifications for a permit is available at rdco.com/airquality.
There are several alternatives available to outdoor burning such as chipping, grinding or if applicable, yard waste disposal at the Glenmore landfill or the RDCO Westside Residential Waste and Recycling Centre off Asquith Road in West Kelowna (fees apply at both locations). North Westside and Traders Cove area residents may dispose of a maximum 10 bags of yard waste per visit at their transfer stations.
The RDCO Air Quality program has more information available on other disposal options including a new Mow/Chip/Rent/Buy incentive of up to $3,000 for qualifying participants.