Open burning season ending April 30

Photo: Contributed

Open burning season in the Central Okanagan comes to an end on April 30.

Until then, farmers and other large lot property owners with permits from their local fire jurisdiction are allowed to burn specific wood debris outdoors as long as they follow open burning regulations.

Creating nuisance smoke from open burning is not allowed in Kelowna, Lake Country, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Peachland or the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas. Violators could face hefty fines and could also be charged with the cost of putting out the fire.

Property owners must use best burning practices and call the toll-free outdoor burning hotline before lighting any fire to ensure that open burning is allowed.

When open burning is allowed, debris pile fires should be started after 10 a.m., when proper venting conditions are more likely. Permit holders are required to continually supervise any burning piles and have the proper fire extinguishing equipment and tools on hand to prevent any fire from spreading.

All Central Okanagan property owners, regardless of property size are encouraged to use other options to dispose of their wood debris and yard waste:

• Bi-weekly curbside collection
• Agricultural chipping program
• Mow-Chip-Rent-it Rebate program
• Year-round disposal at the Glenmore landfill and Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre (fees apply)

Central Okanagan residents are reminded to check with their local fire jurisdiction for regulations and restrictions regarding campfires, chimineas and other outdoor wood-burning devices. Campfires, fire pits and outdoor burning appliances are not allowed at any time within the City of Kelowna and fire crews have the ability to issue bylaw fines if they are notified of a campfire in the city limits.

Residents may report illegal burning on a non-burning day by calling the regional fire dispatch centre at 250-469-8577.