Local campfire ban to remain in place for Central Okanagan

Photo: Colin Dacre

Fire chiefs of the Central Okanagan are in agreement — it’s too soon to lift the campfire ban.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan announced Friday it is keeping a fire ban in place for the entire region. The provincial government’s campfire ban for the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes the Thompson-Okanagan and beyond, lifted as of noon on Friday.

Local restrictions, however, like those from the RDCO supersede the province’s rules.

“Central Okanagan fire chiefs agree that the continued high fire danger rating and ongoing dry conditions mean the campfire ban will continue. Until there is a significant reduction in the danger rating and in light of recent wildfires affecting the Central Okanagan, it’s prudent to keep the campfire prohibition in place,” RDCO said in a statement.

The campfire ban affects all local government fire jurisdictions in the Regional District of Central Okanagan including the City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Westbank First Nation and the Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside and Wilson’s Landing service areas in the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas. Campfires are not permitted at any time within the City of Kelowna.

Violators could receive a fine and be charged the cost of the fire department response to a burning complaint. Residents are encouraged to report anyone who is illegally burning by calling the Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577.