RDOS open burning update

News Article

INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is reminding residents that open burning season is in effect from Saturday, October 15, 2022, to Saturday, April 15, 2023. As per Bylaw No. 2898, 2020, Part III – Burning Season, the “Fire Chief may extend or reduce burning season should conditions allow or require.” Due to dryer than normal conditions this year, the Fire Chiefs may choose to delay the start of open burning. Please check the RDOS website or contact your local Fire Chief if you are unsure whether the season has been delayed. 

Open burning is outlined in Bylaw No. 2898, 2020, a bylaw to regulate open burning within the five RDOS Fire Protection Areas of Anarchist Mountain, Kaleden, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, and Willowbrook. 

Residents within the five RDOS fire protection areas are required to complete a Burn Authorization application. Please visit the Public Parcel Viewer to confirm which Fire District boundary your property is located in. There is no fee and no permits will be issued. Your request will be directed to your selected fire department. From that point, you will be dealing directly with your local fire department. Please visit the Permits & Licences tab on the front page of the RDOS website to access the Burn Authorization application or click here

  • Burning authorization holders must confirm burning is allowed on that day by checking the

Air Quality and Venting Index online. Call 250-490-4125.

  • Ensure you are only burning permitted materials. 
  • Ensure you are following safe burning practices including not burning when unsafe to do so (windy or location of burn), the burn has an adequate fuel break, you are monitoring the burn at all times, and the fire is completely out and cold when you are finished. 
  • Fire Chief may suspend any burning at any time should they deem it unsafe or smoke is creating an issue. Please be mindful of smoke affecting your neighbours. 

Willowbrook Fire Chief Tony Iannella reminds the public that although open burning and campfires are permitted between October 15, 2022, and April 15, 2022, they must be safeguarded. If your property is located outside the areas listed above, please check with your local authority.  

For further information about open burning within the five RDOS Fire Protection Areas, please contact your local Fire Chief. 

-30- 

                                                                                    
Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 

Contacts: 

Tony Iannella, Fire Chief
Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department
250-689-9545 

Erick Thompson

Sara Foss

 

RDOS Toll Free

RDOS Communications              

RDOS Communications

 

1-877-610-3737

250-490-4211   

250-490-4387

 

 

Back