Open burning
Ask the burning questions
Before you burn, protect your air and your community.
Hot, dry summers and changing weather conditions increase wildfire and smoke risks across the Central Okanagan. Before choosing to burn, it’s important to understand the rules, check conditions and consider cleaner alternatives. These steps help protect air quality, reduce health impacts, and prevent fines.
Before you burn
Quick checklist:
- Have you considered alternatives to burning?
- Have you checked local burning bylaws?
- Is your property larger than one hectare (2.47 acres)?
- Do you have a valid burning permit from your local fire service?
- Have you checked current venting and air quality conditions?
- Have you met all requirements of the Province of BC's Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation?
- Are you familiar with open burning best practices?
Burning bylaws in the Central Okanagan
Open burning is regulated to support safe burning practices and cleaner air. The RDCO manages bylaws in Electoral Area East and West (Fire Prevention and Regulations | Bylaw No. 1066 and Smoke Control Regulatory | Bylaw No. 773). Municipalities manage bylaws within their boundaries. Burning seasons and rules may vary depending on weather and conditions.
Permits
Burning permits are issued by local fire departments. Always confirm permit requirements and conditions before burning.
Central Okanagan East Electoral Area and Central Okanagan West Electoral Area (RDCO)
- Phone: 250-469-6223
City of Kelowna (Kelowna Fire Department)
- Walk-in only. Fees apply.
2255 Enterprise Way (Main hall, Station 1)
City of West Kelowna (West Kelowna Fire/Rescue)
- Phone: 778-797-3200
District of Peachland (Peachland Fire and Rescue Service)
- Phone: 250-767-2841
Check current burning conditions
- Green - Burning is permitted
- Yellow -Burning may be permitted, depending on location
- Red - Burning is not permitted. Check alternatives to burning
- Gray - Burning is not permitted. Data may not be available
Current conditions are updated daily at approximately 8 a.m. They can also be accessed by calling the Outdoor Burning Hotline 1-855-262-2876.
For Central Okanagan Electoral Area East and Electoral Area West, open burning is only permitted when the venting index is 55 or greater, and particulate matter (PM2.5– 24 hr) concentration is less than 15 µg/m3.
Checking conditions before burning helps prevent smoke impacts and enforcement issues.
Provincial open burning smoke control regulation
The Central Okanagan is located in a high smoke sensitivity zone. Provincial regulations apply in addition to local bylaws and include setbacks, material restrictions and best‑practice requirements.
Best practices when burning is permitted
- Clean air alternatives to burning.
- Burn only dry, appropriate materials.
- Burn after 10 a.m. when venting conditions allow.
- Piles must be less than 3 m by 3 m and 2 m high to reach proper dryness and ensure a controlled fire.
- Branches 10 cm or greater in diameter should be dry for at least two years or have 30% or less moisture content.
- Monitor wind direction and stop burning if conditions change.
- Fully extinguish fires by 4 p.m. or 2 hours before sunset.
Campfires and outdoor appliances
Rules for campfires and outdoor wood burning appliances vary by municipality. Always check local bylaws and current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.
Report illegal burning
Burning prohibited materials, like garbage, leaves, grass clippings, or vegetative debris, or burning without a permit can result in fines. If you suspect illegal burning, contact regional fire dispatch immediately at 250-469-8577.
