By Times Chronicle Staff
Residents of the South Okanagan and Similkameen are reminded that the open burning of permitted burning materials closes at midnight on Monday, April 15 according to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) bylaws.
Open burning is not permitted April 15 to October 15 each year and depending on conditions, the burning season may end earlier at the discretion of the local fire chiefs. Permitted burning materials include parts of trees or other vegetation that do not constitute compostable materials and include prunings, branches, trunks and tree stumps.
This applies to open burning within five RDOS Fire Protection Areas of Anarchist, Kaleden, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, and Willowbrook. Anyone not adhering to the burning bylaw may be subject to fines.
Where open burning is permitted a burn registration number is required from the Ministry of Forests and Range and can be obtained from the RDOS website or by calling 1.888.797.1717. Burning authorization holders must confirm burning is allowed on that day by checking the Air Quality and Venting Index or by calling 250.490.4125.
As always open burning and campfires are not permitted within Oliver town limits, there is no campfire ban in areas outside of town boundaries at this time. Similarly, open outdoor fires are not permitted in Osoyoos unless authorized by the Fire Chief.
Campfires (outside of town boundaries) are permitted after April 15, subject to conditions. A campfire is an open fire that burns wood in one pile not exceeding 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width, and specifically for heating or warmth, cooking, or Indigenous ceremonial purposes.
Campfires are permitted after April 15, 2024, subject to Bylaw No. 2898, 2020. A campfire is an open fire that burns wood in one pile not exceeding 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width, specifically for heating or warmth, cooking, or Indigenous ceremonial purposes.
Campfires may be restricted by the fire chief at any time, and the Fire District will abide by a provincial fire ban in the vicinity of the Fire District.
