Open burning season begins a few weeks later than normal

Open burning restrictions have been lifted  as of Monday, Oct. 16 in the Central Okanagan.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan said permits are available for eligible property owners from their local fire service. Permits holders can burn outdoors on days when both air quality and venting indices are good.

Normally, permits run from October 1 through April 30 in the Central Okanagan, but the start this year was delayed due to the high fire danger rating.

Before lighting any fire, Central Okanagan permit holders must call the toll-free Outdoor Burning Hotline: 1-855-262-2876 (BURN) to determine if open burning is allowed on a particular day. Additionally, each morning an online outdoor burning indicator is updated at rdco.com/airquality. Those with a permit must also meet the provincial open burning smoke control regulation.

Property owners within the four Central Okanagan East or Central Okanagan West electoral area fire protection areas (Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside, Wilson’s Landing) that are allowed to burn outdoors may call the Regional District at 250-469-6223 to obtain a permit.

Residents with questions about the burn permit process in the Central Okanagan should contact their local fire service.