Open burn season is almost over/RDCO

By Vernon Matters Staff

air quality

Open burning coming to an end for season

Apr 22, 2025 | 3:30 PM

Anyone wanting to make an open burn across the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) has until April 30, following which such fires will be prohibited.

Currently, if conditions allow, all eligible property owners, farmers and other large lot owners with permits from their local fire jurisdiction may burn specific wood debris outdoors.

Nuisance smoke from open burning is prohibited in Kelowna, Lake Country, West Kelowna, Peachland and Central Okanagan East and West electoral areas.

In a media release, the residents must obtain an open burning permit that meets the Regional District Smoke Control Bylaw and all requirements of the Provincial Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation. Ensure burning is permitted on the day you want to burn by calling the outdoor burning hotline at 1-855-262-2876 or checking the online outdoor burning indicator at rdco.com/airquality.

Nuisance smoke from open burning is prohibited in Kelowna, Lake Country, West Kelowna, Peachland and Central Okanagan East and West electoral areas.

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

18h ago

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

19h ago

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

21h ago

Alternatives to open burning include chipping, grinding, or yard waste disposal at the City of Kelowna Glenmore Landfill or the RDCO Westside Residential Waste and Recycling Centre off Asquith Road in West Kelowna (fees apply at both locations). North Westside and Traders Cove area residents may dispose of a maximum of 10 bags of yard waste per visit at their transfer stations. Please note, stumps, branches, logs or limbs over 5 cm in diameter should be taken to the Glenmore Landfill only.

The RDCO Air Quality program has more information available on other disposal options including the Mow/Chip/Rent/Buy incentive of up to $3,000 for qualifying participants.

Campfires are allowed in most areas of the Central Okanagan, except within the City of Kelowna, where they are always prohibited. Appropriate safety precautions must be taken to prevent the spread of a fire including ensuring the fire is always attended, having tools and water on hand to contain the fire, and making sure it is fully extinguished.