Outdoor burning
Outdoor Burning & Fireworks
Before lighting a fire, know the rules and keep our community safe.
Know the rules
Check the Fire and Life Safety Bylaw No. 10760 before lighting any fires.
Open Burning
Planning to burn yard waste? Know the rules, apply for an open burning permit and check burn day conditions before you start.
Campfires
Thinking about a campfire or fire pit? Know the rules, most fires and wood‑burning appliances aren’t allowed in Kelowna.
Fireworks
Fireworks and firecrackers might feel festive, but they’re strictly off‑limits for personal use. Leave them to licensed professionals.
Get an open burning permit
If your property is larger than 1 hectare (2.47 acres), you may qualify for an open burning permit. Burning without a permit or breaking permit conditions can result in fines of up to $2,000.
Apply through the Kelowna Fire Department:
- Walk-in only: Fire Station 1, 2255 Enterprise Way
- A $20 permit fee applies.
Open burning is generally allowed between October 1 and April 30, unless conditions shorten this burn window. See current conditions.
A permit is always required.
If your burn is part of a fuel‑reduction project to reduce wildfire risk, the Fire Department may allow exemptions to some air quality rules. Always follow any additional conditions set by the issuing fire department.
Even with a permit, you must check conditions every day you plan to burn.
Call the Regional Open Burning Information Line: 1‑855‑262‑2876
Only burn if the message confirms it’s allowed.
You may burn:
- Untreated wood
- Dry branches, prunings, and tree trunks
- Vegetation dried for at least two years
Never burn:
- Garbage
- Leaves, grass clippings or other compostable materials
- Land‑clearing debris from development projects
If you suspect that someone is burning without a permit or the specific requirements are not being met, call the Regional Fire Dispatch at 250-469-8577.
Choose alternatives to open burning
Looking to reduce smoke and fire risk? Consider cleaner alternatives like chipping and waste removal.
If you’re an orchardist removing trees, you may qualify for free wood‑waste chipping through the Regional Air Quality Program. The program accepts stumps and large branches.
- Contact the Regional Air Quality Coordinator at 250-469-8408
- Visit the Regional District of Central Okanagan website for more information.
Have a property over 1 hectare with a small amount of wood waste not eligible for the Agricultural Chipping Program? You may be eligible for up to 80% back (up to $500) on rented mow/chip equipment or services. Hire a contractor or rent your own equipment.
- Visit the Regional District of Central Okanagan website for more information.
You can dispose of yard waste and prunings at
The Glenmore landfill has a minimum charge for materials under 250 kg. Drop off rates will vary depending on waste type and charges apply for heavier loads and woody debris over 8”/20cm diameter. For more details, see accepted products & tipping fees.
For information on the Westside Residential Waste Disposal and Recycling Centre, visit regionaldistrict.com/recycle, email [email protected], or call the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250-469-6250
Curbside yard waste collection runs every two weeks from March to November. Check your Living Greener Calendar or contact the Regional Waste Reduction Office at 250 469-6250 or [email protected].
For agricultural or land‑clearing wood waste, air curtain burning can reduce smoke by burning material faster and more efficiently. Contact your local Fire Department to learn whether this option is right for your project.
