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July 26, 2010
Campfire Ban in Central Okanagan Regional District
Later this week all campfires will be prohibited throughout all Central Okanagan municipalities. The ban takes effect at noon Thursday, July 29th and coincides with the similar action announced by the Ministry of Forest and Range across the Kamloops Fire Centre area within BC Parks, Crown and private lands.
As a result of extremely dry conditions and an extended period of hot, dry weather, local fire chiefs have decided to implement the total ban on campfires within all local government jurisdictions of the Regional District of Central Okanagan, including the City of Kelowna, District of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and the Central Okanagan East and West Electoral Areas.
Open burning has not been allowed within any jurisdiction of the Regional District and member municipalities since April.
As well, local bylaws prohibit the use of any fireworks at any time throughout the Central Okanagan.
Violators could receive a fine and be charged the cost of the fire department response to a burning complaint. Residents are encouraged to report anyone who is illegally burning by calling the Kelowna Fire Department Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577.
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Contact:
Bruce Smith
Communications Coordinator
250-469-6339