Campfire Ban Ends for Central Okanagan ahead of long weekend

Photo: Flickr: ghall1112

Just in time for the long weekend the Regional District of Central Okanagan has lifted the campfire ban, effective immediately.

As of Thursday, May 14, wood burning campfires are allowed again in many Central Okanagan areas. As usual, campfires are not permitted at any time within the City of Kelowna. 

The campfire ban has been in place since April 3 to help support public health efforts by reducing sources of air pollution including open burning. The decision to allow wood-burning campfires brings these regional ditrict in line with BC Wildfire campfire regulations in the Kamloops Fire Centre and the reopening of many BC Parks for day use.

The RDCO stresses that appropriate care and equipment are needed to prevent the spread of fire.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan includes: 

• Ellison 
• Joe Rich
• North Westside 
• Wilson’s Landing 
• the City of West Kelowna
• District of Lake Country
• District of Peachland.

All other open burning is prohibited within the Central Okanagan as the season is closed.

All smoking materials should be carefully extinguished and motorists are reminded not to throw cigarettes or other smoking materials from their vehicle. Smoking is not allowed in any RDCO regional or community park or municipal park in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country. Smoking is also prohibited in children’s play areas, sports fields, undeveloped parks and wilderness trails in the District of Peachland. 

The RDCO is also reminding residents that fireworks are not allowed at any time in most areas of the Central Okanagan.