RDOS open-burning season begins with authorization and air-quality requirements
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen's seasonal open-burning rules apply to five fire-protection areas.
Photo credit: Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
PENTICTON — The fall open-burning season began Thursday, October 15, in five Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen fire-protection areas, with residents required to obtain authorization and check air-quality conditions before burning.
The season runs until April 15, 2027, under RDOS Bylaw No. 2898, which regulates open burning in Anarchist Mountain, Kaleden, Naramata, Okanagan Falls and Willowbrook. The local Fire Chief may shorten or extend the season depending on conditions.
Residents in those five fire-protection areas must complete an online Burn Authorization application before burning. Applications have been accepted since October 12 and are forwarded to the appropriate local fire department for review.
There is no application fee, and the RDOS does not issue a physical burning permit. However, approval can take up to 72 hours, and applicants cannot begin burning before that period has elapsed unless they receive specific authorization.
The Fire Chief may require a site inspection, refuse an application or suspend burning if conditions become unsafe or smoke creates problems.
Residents must also confirm that burning is permitted on the day they intend to light a fire. The RDOS directs authorization holders to check the provincial Air Quality and Venting Index online or call 250-490-4125.
The Ventilation Index measures how effectively smoke and other pollutants can disperse into the atmosphere. Burning requirements depend on ventilation conditions and the property's smoke-sensitivity zone. Provincial smoke-control regulations may restrict when a fire can begin, how long it can burn and when it must be extinguished.
The restrictions are intended to limit smoke exposure, particularly during weather inversions that can trap pollutants near the ground. The RDOS advises residents to consider the effects of smoke on neighbouring properties and to avoid burning when conditions are unsuitable.
The regional bylaw allows specified vegetation, including tree prunings, branches, trunks and stumps, to be burned when the other requirements are met. It prohibits burning household garbage, plastics, rubber, treated or painted wood, demolition waste and most construction waste. An exception applies to construction lumber that has not been chemically treated, painted, varnished, oiled, otherwise coated or glued. Compostable yard waste, including leaves, grass clippings and garden waste, is also excluded from the bylaw's permitted burning materials.
Anyone conducting a burn must maintain a suitable fuel break, have adequate firefighting equipment available and ensure the fire is supervised and fully extinguished. Burning during windy conditions is prohibited.
Larger burns are subject to additional provincial requirements. Category 3 fires, which include piles exceeding two metres in height or three metres in width, three or more burning piles, windrows and larger grass or stubble burns, require a provincial burn registration number and advance approval from the local fire department. Registration is available through the province at 1-888-797-1717.
The BC Wildfire Service lifted its Category 2 and Category 3 open-fire prohibitions in the Kamloops Fire Centre effective October 2. Local burning restrictions and provincial air-quality requirements continue to apply.
The RDOS says the towns of Oliver and Osoyoos follow the same burning regulations. Residents outside the five RDOS fire-protection areas should confirm the applicable rules with their municipality or provincial authorities before burning.
Property owners can determine whether they are within one of the five RDOS fire-protection areas through the regional district's online Public Parcel Viewer. Burn Authorization applications are available through the Permits and Licences section of the RDOS website.
Residents seeking clarification about authorization or local restrictions can contact their local Fire Chief. Anyone reporting an escaped fire should call 911.
Nine new outdoor pickleball courts opened at Glenmore Recreation Park on Oct. 8, expanding public recreation facilities in north Kelowna as construction continues on other parts of the park.