Open burning season ending April 30 in Central Okanagan

It is that time of year again.

Residents across the Central Okanagan have until April 30 to carry out permitted open burning before seasonal restrictions take effect. Until then, burning is only allowed when conditions permit and with valid permits issued by local fire authorities.

“Residents must ensure burning is permitted on the day they plan to burn,” officials said in a statement released on Tuesday, noting the online indicator at rdco.com/airquality.

Open burning that creates “nuisance smoke” is prohibited in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland and the Central Okanagan electoral areas.

Alternatives include chipping, grinding, or taking yard waste to the Glenmore Landfill or the Westside Residential Waste and Recycling Centre, where fees apply. Larger debris such as logs and stumps over five centimetres must go to the landfill.

Campfires remain allowed in most areas outside Kelowna city limits, provided they are supervised and fully extinguished.