Outdoor burning/RDCO

By Vernon Matters Staff

Fire danger

Central Okanagan open burning season delayed

Sep 25, 2025 | 10:02 AM

The start of the open burning season in the Central Okanagan has been pushed back to Oct. 15. Fire officials said ongoing high temperatures, dry conditions, and elevated fire danger ratings have made it unsafe to allow outdoor burning, prompting the delay.

Central Okanagan fire departments will not issue open burning permits and plan to reevaluate conditions in early October, or sooner if the fire risk decreases. The decision aligns with guidance from the BC Wildfire Service, which continues to prohibit Category 2 and Category 3 open burning across the Central Okanagan.

“Public safety is our top priority,” said a spokesperson for the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO). “Even if conditions improve elsewhere, our communities remain at high risk for wildfire, so we must take a cautious approach.”

While the open burning season is delayed, the Kamloops Fire Centre has announced it will lift the campfire ban at noon on Sept. 29. Local campfire bans will be lifted in line with the provincial directive, applying to West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Westbank First Nation, and other fire service areas. The City of Kelowna, however, will continue to prohibit campfires.

Residents are encouraged to report any illegal burning by contacting the Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577. Officials also highlight alternatives to burning, including chipping, grinding, or taking yard waste to the Glenmore landfill or the RDCO Westside Residential Waste and Recycling Centre.

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Information about eligibility for open burning permits and other disposal options is available through the RDCO Air Quality program, which also offers incentives of up to $3,000 for qualifying participants under the new Mow Chip Rent or Buy program.

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