New Campfire Ban in Okanagan

Campfire Ban Implemented in RDNO Electoral Areas Starting August 28

August 28, 2025 - Starting Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 12:00 pm, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), in coordination with the Kamloops Fire Centre, will enforce a campfire ban across all RDNO Electoral Areas.

The ban, aimed at preventing human-caused wildfires during peak season, will remain in effect until October 17, 2025, or until rescinded.

Campfire Ban Implemented in RDNO Electoral Areas Starting August 28

Prohibited activities include campfires of any size, open burning, fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels, burn cages, binary exploding targets, air curtain burners, tiki torches, and chimineas.

Devices meeting CSA or ULC standards, such as outdoor cooking or heating stoves using charcoal briquettes, liquid fuel, or gaseous fuel with a flame height under 15 cm, are still permitted.

A ban on Category 2 and Category 3 open fires, defined as fires larger than 0.5 meters by 0.5 meters or involving the burning of piled material or grass over 0.2 hectares (Category 2) and fires exceeding 2 meters high by 3 meters wide or burning three or more piles (Category 3), was already in place since June 13, 2025, implemented by the BC Wildfire Service for the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes Vernon, BX, and Coldstream.

Residents and visitors are urged to report any smoke or fire to the BC Wildfire Service at 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a mobile phone.