Vernon adjusts open burning regulations to align with provincial rules

There are more rules to follow for having open fires in the City of Vernon.

The city has aligned its open burning regulations with the provincial Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation, which is aimed at improving air quality, particularly in areas designated as High Smoke Sensitivity Zones.

The changes, which take effect immediately and ahead of open burning season, include:

• Setback requirements
  • Maintain a distance of at least 500 metres from residences and businesses, and 1,000 metres from schools, hospitals, and community care facilities
• Debris source
  • Only burn vegetative debris collected within 5 kilometres of the burn site
• Limit burning
  • Reduce the amount of vegetative debris burned and explore alternatives like chipping or recycling
• Burn registration
  • Obtain a burn registration number for Category 3 burns and keep a written record
• Ventilation index
  • A “GOOD” ventilation index designation is required for one-day burns, which can be checked at the province’s website
• Burn timing
  • Start burning at least one hour after sunrise and finish by 4 p.m., or two hours before sunset