Open Burning Delayed

The start of the opening burning season in the Central Okanagan has been delayed.

Regional fire chiefs have decided that in light of the extremely dry conditions, the high fire hazard and the poor air quality resulting from smoke from forest fires burning near the Canada-US border, that the start of the open burning season is on hold.

The chiefs have agreed that there will have to be a significant change in the weather before they feel comfortable in approving a start date for open burning.

Under the Regional District Fire Prevention Bylaw and similar bylaws regulating burning in some local municipalities, the open burning season may run from September 1st through April 30th.

However, the actual dates of the burning season in any year may be shortened or extended by local fire chiefs based on appropriate weather conditions and public safety.

In the Central Okanagan, open burning is only allowed on properties greater than one hectare in size with permits from a local fire authority and with appropriate safety precautions. As well, burning may only be done when air quality and venting indices permit.

Property owners are encouraged to take advantage of the free year-round yard waste drop-off program at the Glenmore and Westside Landfills.

Up to 250-kilograms of yard waste and prunings up to 20-centimetres in diameter may be dropped off without charge at anytime of the year. Over-weight loads will be charged $25 per tonne.

Residential property owners should also be aware that the Fall Curbside Yard Waste program will operate from October 9th through November 17th this year.

Please check the 2006 Living Greener Recycling and Waste Collection Calendar or the Regional Waste Reduction Office web pages (www.regionaldistrict.com) for specific collection dates in your area.