Starting this Friday, all campfires will be prohibited throughout all Central Okanagan municipalities. That’s the earliest in recent memory and a week and a half earlier than last year (July 14th).
The ban takes effect at noon Friday, July 3rd and coincides with the similar action announced by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations across the Kamloops Fire Centre area within BC Parks, Crown and private lands. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.
As a result of extremely dry conditions and an extended period of hot, dry weather, local fire chiefs have decided to implement the total ban on campfires within all local government jurisdictions of the Regional District of Central Okanagan, City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas. Campfires are not permitted at any time within the City of Kelowna.
Open burning has not been allowed within any jurisdiction of the Regional District and member municipalities since April 30th.
As well, local bylaws prohibit the use of any fireworks at any time throughout most areas of the Central Okanagan. Use of fireworks in the District of Lake Country and City of West Kelowna must be approved in writing by the Fire Chief.
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.
Residents are reminded that anytime you see smoke, call 9-1-1 and report it.