Posted on: August 18, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM RDCO
Campfire Ban across Central Okanagan starts August 19
With the Extreme Fire Hazard, starting this Friday, all campfires will be prohibited throughout allCentral Okanagan municipalities and electoral area Fire Service Areas.
The ban takes effect at noon Friday, August 19th and will remain in effect until further notice.
As a result of the extremely dry conditions and extended period of hot, dry weather that hasboosted the fire danger rating to extreme, local fire chiefs have decided to implement the totalban on campfires within all local government fire jurisdictions in the Regional District of CentralOkanagan including the City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland,Westbank First Nation and the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas. Campfires arenot permitted at any time within the City of Kelowna.
Violators could receive a fine and be charged the cost of the fire department response to aburning complaint. Residents are encouraged to report anyone who is illegally burning by callingthe Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577.
Fire departments throughout the Central Okanagan remind residents and visitors that all smokingmaterials should be carefully snuffed out and motorists are reminded not to toss cigarettes orother smoking materials from their vehicle.
Please remember that smoking is not allowed in any RDCO regional park or municipal park inKelowna and West Kelowna. Smoking is also prohibited in children’s play areas, sports fields,undeveloped parks and wilderness trails in the District of Peachland.
Open burning has not been allowed within any jurisdiction of the Regional District and membermunicipalities since April 30th. As well, local bylaws prohibit the use of any fireworks at any timethroughout most areas of the Central Okanagan. Use of fireworks in the District of Lake Countryand City of West Kelowna must be approved in writing by the Fire Chief.
Residents are reminded that anytime you see smoke, call 9-1-1 and report it.
Visit the RDCO website for more information, including a map of the Central Okanagan.