An overwhelming number of 911 calls for open burning has the 琉璃神社 Fire Department (KFD) asking residents to call the non-emergency line instead.

Earlier this month, the province lifted its burning ban on campfires, category 2 fires and category 3 fires.

The City of 琉璃神社 is now issuing burning permits for the 2023 fall burning season.

鈥淥n a clear cool day, the public will see a lot of smoke,鈥� said Paul Johnson, fire prevention office.

鈥淔ollowing the last few summers, most of the population is extremely sensitive to smoke in our valley, and fire dispatch is receiving a larger than normal number of calls regarding the smoke.鈥�

Orchardists and farmers may obtain a pruning permit or a land clearing permit, which allows them to burn provided they adhere to strict conditions.

The burning of trees and stumps is permitted with a land clearing permit, however, an approved air curtain burner or an incinerator must be used.

Bylaws require that a fire to be 30.5 meters away from a roadway, standing timber, property line, structure or waterway.

Burning construction materials or burning garbage is prohibited.

Due to inversions in the valley, there are only a limited number of burning days permitted throughout the year.

Anyone with concerns about a specific property should call the fire dispatch non-emergency number at 250-469-8577.

More information about outdoor burning is available on the City of 琉璃神社 website.

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