Update: RDNO Lifts Campfire Ban

Sep 10, 2018 | 12:15 PM

Update:

The Regional District of North Okanagan has lifted a campfire ban within its region.

Community Services General Manager Mike Fox says the risk of fuels and wildfires have decreased immensely due to the rain and moist weather conditions the last few days

“Residents are now able have campfires in the area but are encouraged to use extreme caution and safety in all fire use,” says Fox.

Fox says the notice only relates to allowing campfires, chimneys, outdoor stoves and other portable apparatus that is not CSA or ULC approved.

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“As per the fire regulation set by the Kamloops Fire Centre, category 2 and 3 fires are still prohibited, along with the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, exploding targets and tiki torches or similar.”

Sept 7:

Campfire bans have been lifted for the Kamloops, Cariboo and Prince George Fire Centres, but remain in place for regional districts in the area.

The Wildfire Service says its lifting its bans due to the cooler weather and reduced fire threat.

The City of Vernon says campfires that comply with City bylaws are once again allowed.

“Please continue to use care and caution if enjoying a campfire,” says Dave Lind, Fire Chief for the City of Vernon. “It’s is a requirement that fires not be left unattended and that they are fully extinguished.”

The Regional District of North Okanagan says its campfire ban within the RDNO Electoral Areas is still in effect.

“Precipitation is expected this weekend, however, the current conditions and fuels are still vulnerable to wildfire. Because of the risk, the RDNO Electoral Areas will not be rescinding the campfire ban until a further review is undertaken on Monday, September 10,” says an RDNO release.

The Kamloops Fire centre has rescinded the campfire ban in areas of the Central Zone as of 12 noon September 7.

The rescind notice only relates to the previously prohibited; campfires, chimineas, outdoor stoves and other portable apparatus not CSA or ULC approved.

Category 2 and 3 fires are still prohibited, along with the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, exploding targets, and tiki torches or similar.

Central Okanagan fire chiefs have not lifted the ban on campfires currently in place in the Regional District of Central Okanagan due to continued high fire
hazard rating.

The ban, put in place on July 26, is effective until further notice in local government jurisdictions of the Regional District of Central Okanagan including the City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Westbank First Nation and the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas.

Violators could receive a fine and be charged the cost of the fire department response to a burning complaint.

Residents are encouraged to report illegal burning by calling the Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577.

by Corey Fischer