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By Liam Verster

Fire Safety

Open burning no longer permitted in the North Okanagan

Jun 13, 2025 | 11:07 AM

The Regional District of North Okanagan is reminding residents and visitors that open burning is not permitted.

Open burning in Electoral Areas B and C have not been allowed since April 30, and the RDNO reminds people to follow the local regulations. The reminder comes following Vernon’s Fire Danger rating and the Okanagan’s drought rating increasing recently.

The RDNO also advised people to learn about FireSmart principals and take proactive actions to protect their properties, noting that was especially important for people living in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

The Regional District recently launched two FireSmart pilot projects and encouraged people explore those opportunities, while also reminding people that yard and garden waste can be disposed of at the most Diversion and Disposal Facilities.

“Federal and Provincial agencies are now better equipped to forecast high-risk seasons with greater precision,” Alastair Crick, Protective Services Manager, said.

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“This improved foresight allows us to engage earlier with residents about the importance of being prepared and the benefits of reducing fire hazards around their homes.”

The reminders come as the B.C. Wildfire Service’s prohibition on Category 2 Open Fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre takes effect at noon Friday, June 13.