Effective August 27, 2024, the ban on campfires has been lifted in most areas of the Central Okanagan. Campfires are still not permitted at any time within the City of Kelowna.
The campfire ban within local government fire jurisdictions in the Central Okanagan has been in place since July 12. The campfire ban has been lifted in alignment with the BC Wildfire Service and due to recent showers and cooler, seasonal temperatures. While open burning permits are not being issued at this time, fire chiefs continue to monitor conditions and will begin issuing outdoor burning permits in the fall.
With appropriate safety precautions to prevent the spread of fire, campfires are once again allowed within the Regional District of Central Okanagan fire protection areas (Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside, Wilson’s Landing), the City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation reserves #9 and #10, the District of Lake Country, and the District of Peachland. Anyone having a campfire must:
- Ensure the fire is always attended to.
- Have tools and water on hand to contain the fire.
- Make sure it is fully extinguished.
Fire departments throughout the Central Okanagan remind residents and visitors that all smoking materials should be fully extinguished. Motorists must use ashtrays and not throw cigarettes or other smoking materials from their vehicles.
Please remember that smoking is not allowed in any local parks in the Central Okanagan. Smoking is also prohibited in children’s play areas, sports fields, undeveloped parks, and wilderness trails in the District of Peachland.
In addition, to prevent accidental fires and injuries, all fireworks are banned within the Central Okanagan unless specifically permitted by a local fire department.
For more information about fire bans and restrictions across the province, visit gov.bc.ca.