October 26, 2009
COLDSTREAM, BC – The fall open burning period for Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) Fire Protection Areas of Electoral Areas (EA) “B” and “C” is set to begin on November 1 and runs until November 15th.
Residents of the RDNO Fire Protection Areas “B” and “C” must obtain a permit from the RDNO prior to burning; only properties one hectare (2.47 acres) or larger are eligible.
Open burning must only be done when the Ventilation Index is 55 or greater and the Air Quality Index is 35 or less. This information is updated daily and can be accessed at www.rdno.ca or by calling 250-550-3700 during regular office hours or 250-503-3227 after hours.
Only permitted materials may be burned. These include prunings, branches, stumps and other vegetation that has been allowed to dry for at least one year. The burning of compostable materials is not allowed. For the full bylaw and regulations, please visit the RDNO website at www.rdno.ca.
During this same period, there are programs in place to provide alternatives to burning. Until November 30th residential (Yard waste is accepted free-of-charge) at all RDNO Recycling and Disposal Facilities. The free yard waste drop-off provides an inexpensive option to residents to dispose of their trimmings and foliage. It will be chipped and composted.
Improving our air quality is important for all residents, especially those with respiratory and cardiac ailments.
In addition to the free yard waste drop off, the RDNO is encouraging residents to participate in the Great Okanagan Wood Stove Change Out program. The Wood Stove Change Out program gives consumers with older, inefficient wood stoves the opportunity to replace them with new EPA/CSA emission-approved wood, gas, pellet or electric appliances and receive a $250 rebate from the province, administered by the RDNO. There are limited provincial rebates ($250) still available for 2009. Please contact the Regional District for more information.
For more information:
Nicole Marzinzik
Air Quality Coordinator
Regional District of North Okanagan
250-550-3700
Karmen Morgan
Waste Reduction Coordinator
Regional District of North Okanagan
250-550-3700
To Minimize Pollution from your wood burning appliance please follow these simple steps:
- Firewood should be seasoned by splitting and stacking it at least eight months before it is burned. Your woodpile should be covered in a way that keeps rain and snow off but allows air to circulate through it. Dry seasoned wood burns best!
- Burn only clean, dry wood in your wood stove. Never burn green, wet, painted or treated wood including plywood, pressboard, railway ties or utility poles. Never burn household garbage in your wood stove or fireplace!
- Burn only small bright fires. Start the fire using small pieces of wood kindling, and keep the fire moderately hot, adding larger pieces of split wood as required. Do not damper down the fire too much, as this will produce a smoky, oxygen-starved fire.
- Watch for signs of incomplete burning such as visible smoke coming from your chimney or long, lazy flames in the firebox. When you see these signs, more air is needed to improve your fire. You must open the dampers to allow additional air into the stove.
- Don't burn on fair or poor air-quality days. Your wood smoke will add significantly to the problem, particularly on days of atmospheric inversions and still winds.
- Buy the right stoves for your needs. The most common mistake is choosing a stove too large for the area to be heated. A stove that is too large for your home will have to be dampered down to maintain a comfortable temperature, thus creating smoke and increasing air pollution.
- Don't burn in moderate temperatures. Save your wood for cold days. When you do use your wood stove or fireplace, keep the fire small and bright and only burn clean, dry wood.
- Don't damper down your fire, as this will produce a smoky, oxygen-starved fire. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions for the safe operation and maintenance of your particular stove. Check your chimney frequently for creosote buildup; a common cause of house fires.
