Restrictions for open burning in the Central Okanagan will be lifted on Friday, Oct. 4 at 12 p.m.

Permits are available for eligible property owners from local fire departments, and permit holders can burn outdoors on days when both air quality and venting conditions are good.

Property owners in the four Central Okanagan East and West electoral fire protection areas (Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside, Wilson’s Landing) can call the Regional District Central Okanagan for a permit.

Before lighting any fire, Central Okanagan permit holders must call the toll-free Outdoor Burning Hotline: 1-855-262-2876 (BURN) and listen to the message to confirm that burning is permitted on that day. 

Conditions of the Provincial Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation must also be met.

Permits usually run from Oct. 1 to Apr. 30 although dates may be adjusted depending on the local fire hazard.

Violators of local bylaws could receive a fine or be charged with the cost of putting out the fire by their fire service.  

Fire department jurisdictions for permits:

• Central Okanagan East and West electoral areas - RDCO 250-469-6223;
• City of ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç - ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç Fire Department (2255 Enterprise Way) - walk-in only (fee applies);
• District of Lake Country - Lake Country Fire Department 250-766-2327 (fee applies);
• District of Peachland - Peachland Fire Rescue Service 250-767-2841;
• City of West ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç and Westbank First Nation - West ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç Fire/Rescue 778-797-3200.