Climate Change Leads To Reduced Open Burning

A North Okanagan community is reducing its open burning dates as a result of climate change and the fire danger.

Spallumcheen mayor Christine Fraser says council has given three readings to a bylaw change to allow burning from November 1 to April 30, which would be six fewer weeks than the current burning period October 1 to May 15.

Fraser (pictured) says council based its decision on a recommendation from Fire Chief Ian Cummings who says it’s getting dryer sooner, and the fire risk is higher.

“It’s just too much of a hazard, even that early in the spring. It’s just so dry and the conditions are just so much worse,” Fraser tells Beach Radio News.