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Campfires, Open Burning and Venting

The campfire ban for RDNO Electoral Areas is rescinded as of noon, Thursday, September 28, 2023. Campfires are permitted and regulated under BC Wildfire Regulations as well as RDNO Open Burning Bylaw 2514.

The RDNO's Open Burning Season is from October 31 to April 30

If you live in a rural area, you may decide to use fire as a tool to clear land, get rid of vegetative debris, or enjoy a recreational campfire. Before you light a fire, be aware that open burning in Electoral Area' 'B' & 'C' is regulated by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) bylaw 2514. All Electoral Areas in the North Okanagan are regulated by the Province of BC through the Kamloops Fire Centre. You are encouraged to check with the provincial authorities to ensure there are no restrictions in place.

Depending on the type of fire, you may require a permit (scroll further to see 'Open Burning Types'). There are two ways to apply for a burning permit. You can apply online for a Class B permit through our website, or download a PDF, complete the form, and send it to the RDNO for review. You must apply for a permit each season.

Online: Online Class 'B' Open Burning Permit Application

Downloadable PDF: Class 'A' Open Burning Permit Application

Class 'B' Open Burning Permit Application

Open Burning Types

RDNO defines four (4) types of open burning, each with its own restrictions and permit requirements.

- Permit not required.
- Does not exceed 0.5 metres in width, length or height.
- For the purpose of cooking food or to provide heat/lights associated with camping or recreation.
- Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. (midnight).
- Permit Required (At a Cost).
- Inspection Services Fees apply.
- Minimum of at least 2.5 acres.
- Does not exceed 10 metres in diameter.
- For the purpose of clearing vegetation to prepare land for non-farming use (e.g. farmland to residential).
- Maximum of three (3) consecutive days.
- Permit Required (Free).
- No fees apply.
- Minimum of at least 2.5 acres.
- Does not exceed 3 metres in diameter and 2 metres in height.
- For the purpose of clearing vegetation for different use ie: Fire Smart strategies.
- Maximum of twelve (12) hours.
- Permit Required (At a Cost).
- Inspection Services Fees apply.
- Minimum of at lease 2.5 acres.
- For clearing vegetation for non-farming use with the use of an air curtain incinerator or other approved forced air device, or
- For farm practices as defined in Right to Farm Regulations, or
- For forest, pest or disease control, or
- To reduce fire hazard areas, or
- For burning on days other then what is permitted under bylaw 2514, subject to review and approval by RDNO.
A prescribed burn is commonly used to maintain a pasture or field.

This type of burn is regulated by the BC Wildfire Act. Under this act a grass burn is split into two categories; under .5 acre (category 2) and over .5 acre (category 3). A category 3 fire requires a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717.

Know more by visiting BC Wildfire.
As an alternative to burning, you could compost at home, utilize a wood chipper or take your yard and garden waste (year-round, free of charge) to one of the Regional District of North Okanagan’s Diversion and Disposal Facilities:
- Armstrong/Spallumcheen Diversion & Disposal Facility (ASDDF), 3367 Powerhouse Road
- Cherryville Transfer Station, 205 Aumond Road
- Greater Vernon Diversion & Disposal Facility (GVDDF), 120 Birnie Road
- Kingfisher Transfer Station, 150 Beattie Road
- Lumby Diversion & Disposal Facility (LDDF), 221 Trinity Valley Road
All open burns, with the exception of a small confined fire or campfire, require a permit.

Burn Type Permit Required? Fee

Small Confined No None

Class 'A' Yes $1,000

Class 'B' Yes None

Special Open Burning Yes $25

Find Class 'A' Permit Application form here Find a Class 'B' Permit Application form here

NOTE: Class 'A' burns and Special Open burns may require inspection services at an additional fee.

Burn Type	Permit Required?	Fee
Small Confined	No	None
Class 'A'	Yes	$1,000
Class 'B'	Yes	None
Special Open Burning	Yes	$25

Avoid fines (up to $2,000) by following the rules before lighting up!

One of the most common bylaw infractions that we see is burning on days when the venting index is lower than the required "GOOD" rating. Permit holders must ensure that the venting index is "GOOD" before igniting materials.

Check today's venting index

When you can burn is regulated through BC's Venting Index. The index measures how well the current weather conditions disperse smoke and pollutants. A good venting index (55 or greater) ensures smoke rises straight up before dispersing. Burning only when the venting index is 'good' safeguards against poor air quality for you, your community, and your neighbours.

The North Okanagan is positioned within either a medium or high smoke sensitivity zone, and is within the "Okanagan" Venting Index Zone.

Venting Index Ranges
Venting Index	Venting Category	Is Burning Allowed?
0-33	POOR	NO
34-54	FAIR	NO
55-100	GOOD	YES

GRINDROD WATER - Advance Notice to Residents of Water Service Interruption and Precautionary Boil Water Notice

Campfires, Open Burning and Venting

The campfire ban for RDNO Electoral Areas is rescinded as of noon, Thursday, September 28, 2023. Campfires are permitted and regulated under BC Wildfire Regulations as well as RDNO Open Burning Bylaw 2514.

The RDNO's Open Burning Season is from October 31 to April 30

Open Burning Types

RDNO defines four (4) types of open burning, each with its own restrictions and permit requirements.

Permit not required.

Does not exceed 0.5 metres in width, length or height.

For the purpose of cooking food or to provide heat/lights associated with camping or recreation.

Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. (midnight).

Permit Required (At a Cost).

Inspection Services Fees apply.

Minimum of at least 2.5 acres.

Does not exceed 10 metres in diameter.

For the purpose of clearing vegetation to prepare land for non-farming use (e.g. farmland to residential).

Maximum of three (3) consecutive days.

Permit Required (Free).

No fees apply.

Minimum of at least 2.5 acres.

Does not exceed 3 metres in diameter and 2 metres in height.

For the purpose of clearing vegetation for different use ie: Fire Smart strategies.

Maximum of twelve (12) hours.

Permit Required (At a Cost).

Inspection Services Fees apply.

Minimum of at lease 2.5 acres.

For clearing vegetation for non-farming use with the use of an air curtain incinerator or other approved forced air device, or

For farm practices as defined in Right to Farm Regulations, or

For forest, pest or disease control, or

To reduce fire hazard areas, or

For burning on days other then what is permitted under bylaw 2514, subject to review and approval by RDNO.

All open burns, with the exception of a small confined fire or campfire, require a permit.

Find Class 'A' Permit Application form here Find a Class 'B' Permit Application form here

NOTE: Class 'A' burns and Special Open burns may require inspection services at an additional fee.

Avoid fines (up to $2,000) by following the rules before lighting up!

Venting Index Ranges

The Venting Index has a morning, afternoon and next day forecast. Be sure to check for the best time.