Open burning ban lifted in Central Okanagan

The open burning ban in most of the Central Okanagan will be lifted Friday at noon, following the B.C. Wildfire Service’s decision to rescind Category 2 and 3 burning restrictions in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

That means eligible property owners can once again get permits for outdoor burning, as long as air quality and venting conditions are good.

Before lighting a fire, permit holders must call the Outdoor Burning Hotline at 1-855-262-2876 to make sure burning is allowed that day. The Regional District of Central Okanagan also updates its online burning indicator each morning.

Campfires have been allowed in some parts of the Central Okanagan since Sept. 16, while larger-scale open burning remained prohibited.

Permit requirements vary depending on where residents live. People in the Central Okanagan East and West electoral areas, including Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside and Wilson’s Landing, can get a permit by calling the regional district during weekday business hours.

Kelowna residents need to get a permit through Kelowna Fire Department, while Lake Country residents can apply online. Peachland residents can contact Peachland Fire Rescue, and West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation residents can contact West Kelowna Fire/Rescue.

There are still some restrictions.

Nuisance smoke from open burning is not allowed, and yard waste such as leaves, pine needles, grass clippings and weeds cannot be burned.

Anyone burning outdoors must also follow B.C.’s Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.