Campfires are permitted in the Central Okanagan; open burning remains closed

Sharing on behalf of the Regional District of the Central Okanagan

Following the Kamloops Fire Centre’s recent update and the continued cooler, wet weather, Category 1 campfires are now permitted starting Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 at 12 p.m. in the City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Westbank First Nation, and the Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside and Wilson’s Landing fire service areas (Electoral Area East and Electoral Area West). Campfires are not permitted at any time within the City of Kelowna.

Open burning remains closed throughout the Central Okanagan until further notice.

A Category 1 campfire is a small fire used for recreation, warmth and cooking. It should be no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide, supervised at all times, and fully extinguished before leaving the area.

Residents and visitors are reminded to check local fire regulations if unsure before lighting any fire and to use caution when enjoying a campfire. To report illegal burning, call the Kelowna Fire Communications Centre at 250-469-8577.

Fire departments remind residents to fully extinguish smoking materials and to never toss cigarette butts or ashes from vehicles. Motorists, please use an ashtray. Smoking and vaping are not allowed in local or regional parks in the Central Okanagan.

To prevent accidental fires and injuries, fireworks are banned within the Central Okanagan unless specifically permitted by a local fire department. All open burning has been prohibited within the Central Okanagan since April 30.

For provincial fire bans and restrictions, visit BC Wildfire Service.