The Okanagan-Similkameen valleys often experience weather systems called inversions. An inversion makes the airshed susceptible to the build up of air contaminants that impact human health, visibility, and the environment. To ensure the Okanagan-Similkameen’s air quality is as good as it can be the Regional District has implemented an Open Air Burning Bylaw to reduce emissions from open burning and to eliminate the burning of garbage.

To view Open Air Burning Bylaw No. 2364, 2005 – Click here.

The bylaw is enforced by local volunteer fire departments and applies to fire protection areas – Kaleden, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Tulameen, and Willowbrook. If your property is outside one of these fire protection service areas contact either your Municipality or the Ministry of Forests at 1-888-797-1717.

Click to view fire protection service area maps click on the links below;

- Kaleden Map

- Naramata Map

- Okanagan Falls Map

- Tulameen Map

- Willowbrook

Burning Permit

Permit holders must confirm that burning is allowed on that day by checking the Air Quality and Venting Index.

To view today's Air Quality Index:

VENTING INDEX

AIR QUALITY

Minimizing Smoke Pollution Utilizing Best Management Practices - Venting Index Smoke Control Forecast - Click Here

 

BURNING ALTERNATIVES Yard Waste Drop Off Program Spring & Fall Curbside Yard and Garden Waste Pickup Composting Natural Lawn Care

3 Steps to obtain a Burning Permit

Step 1	Complete Burning Permit Application Form	- Online, Click here. - Mail or Fax Form, click here - In Person Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen 101 Martin Street, Penticton 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday Fax - (250)492-0237
	All Burning Permit Applications must receive approval from your local Fire Chief before an Open Air Burning Permit is issued. Report illegal burning to your local fire authority or R.A.P.P. (Report all Polluters & Poachers) 1-877-952-7277
	Tulameen-Coalmont residents only - you may contact your local fire authority or follow the steps outlined to complete a Burning Permit Application Form and Open Air Burning Permit. Contact information - (250)295.6688 or email to tulfd@nethop.net
Step 2	Obtain an Open Air Burning Permit	Your Open Air Burning Permit Application is forwarded to your local fire department for approval. If APPROVED - you will be contacted to pick up your permit at the Regional District Office. To activate your permit you must sign and pay $30.00. Payment is made to the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen or Tulameen Volunteer Fire Department. Permit valid for calendar year. If DECLINED you will be advised.
Step 3	Before Burning	Check the Venting Index Telephone Regional Dispatch (250) 490-2300 or online www.rdos.bc.ca. Burning is permitted on days when the venting index is predicted to be "Good" (55-100) at 4:00 p.m. Report Your Burn If it is a "Good" burning day notify Regional Dispatch of your planned burn. You may carry out a maximum of four burns a year.
4	Inspection	All permits may be subject to a site inspection.
5	Regulations & Information	Please contact Penticton Fire and Rescure Dispatch or your local fire authority – click on this link