Central Okanagan campfire ban lifted in time for the Victoria Day long weekend

A ban on campfires throughout most of the Central Okanagan has now been lifted.

The announcement was made today, May 14, in a news release from the Central Okanagan regional district. It allows campfires in all municipalities and rural areas except the City of Kelowna.

"With appropriate equipment, tools and precautions to prevent the spread of fire, wood burning campfires are once again allowed within the Regional District of Central Okanagan fire protection areas (Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside, Wilson’s Landing), the City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country and District of Peachland," the regional district said.

The ban was put in place April 3 because of concerns about the risk of forest fires during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The decision to allow wood burning campfires brings these local fire authorities in line with B.C. Wildfire campfire regulations in the Kamloops Fire Centre and the reopening of many B.C. Parks for day use,” the regional district states.

All other open burning is prohibited.

Fireworks are not allowed to be used in most areas as well.

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