In coordination with the Kamloops Fire Centre, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is advising residents and visitors that a campfire ban will be in effect for all RDNO Electoral Areas beginning Friday, July 10, 2026, at 12:00 pm. This ban will remain in place until October 9, or until rescinded.
Prohibited activities include the use of:
- campfires of any size,
- all forms of open burning,
- fireworks and sky lanterns,
- burn barrels or burn cages,
- binary exploding targets,
- air curtain burners,
- tiki and similar kinds of devices; and,
- chimineas.
Devices that meet CSA or ULC standards and are designed for outdoor cooking, heating, or ambiance are still permitted. These stoves must burn charcoal briquettes, liquid fuel, or gaseous fuel, and have a flame height of less than 15 cm.
Camping is a cherished tradition in British Columbia, and the RDNO understands that campfires are an important part of the outdoor experience, carefully considering all factors before implementing a campfire prohibition. Preventing wildfires is a shared responsibility. Human-caused wildfires are entirely preventable and can divert essential firefighting resources away from response to naturally caused fires.
The RDNO would like to thank the public for its continued commitment to preventing wildfires in the North Okanagan. If you see smoke or fire, report it immediately to the BC Wildfire Service at 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a mobile phone.
For more information on Emergency Management within the RDNO, please visit www.rdno.ca/emergencymanagement.
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For media inquiries:
Stacey Raftus, Communications Officer
communications@rdno.ca