In light of the current weather conditions, open burning season in the Central Okanagan began on October 1.
Under Regional District of the Central Okanagan, and local fire bylaws, permitted open burning started October 1 and must be complete by April 30. Fire chiefs may change the dates depending on the fire hazard in their area.
Those people with properties greater than one hectare will be allowed to burn outdoors, but only after receiving a permit from their local fire authority and only after confirming that burning is allowed on a particular day. Farmers and large lot owners must also follow any regulations before lighting any fire.
Eligible property owners within the Central Okanagan East or the Central Okanagan West electoral areas may obtain a permit by calling the Regional District at 250-469-6223 (long distance collect calls are accepted) weekdays only between 8 am and 4 pm, excluding holidays. All other eligible property owners must obtain a permit from their municipal fire department.
Before lighting any fire, eligible property owners with a valid permit must call the toll-free Outdoor Burning Hotline: 1-855-262-2876 (BURN). It will tell them if open burning is allowed on a particular day.
Both the venting and air quality conditions must be good in order for burning to occur within Central Okanagan fire jurisdictions.
This information is also available each day after 7:15 am at regionaldistrict.com/airquality.
