Campfires, Open Burning and Venting

Open Burning Types

• Small Confined Fire or Campfire

  • Permit not required.

  • Does not exceed 0.5 metres in width, length or height.

  • For the purpose of cooking food or to provide heat/lights associated with camping or recreation.

  • Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. (midnight).

• Class 'A' Open Burning ($ Permit Required)

  • Permit Required (At a Cost).

  • Inspection Services Fees apply.

  • Minimum of at least 2.5 acres.

  • Does not exceed 10 metres in diameter. 

  • For the purpose of clearing vegetation to prepare land for non-farming use (e.g. farmland to residential).

  • Maximum of three (3) consecutive days.

• Class 'B' Open Burning (Permit Required)

  • Permit Required (Free).

  • No fees apply.

  • Minimum of at least 2.5 acres.

  • Does not exceed 3 metres in diameter and 2 metres in height.

  • For the purpose of clearing vegetation for different use ie: Fire Smart strategies.

  • Maximum of twelve (12) hours.

• Special Open Burning ($ Permit Required)

  • Permit Required (At a Cost).

  • Inspection Services Fees apply.

  • Minimum of at lease 2.5 acres.

  • For clearing vegetation for non-farming use with the use of an air curtain incinerator or other approved forced air device, or

  • For farm practices as defined in Right to Farm Regulations, or

  • For forest, pest or disease control, or

  • To reduce fire hazard areas, or

  • For burning on days other then what is permitted under bylaw 2514, subject to review and approval by RDNO.

• Field of Grass/Pasture Burn

  A prescribed burn is commonly used to maintain a pasture or field.

  This type of burn is regulated by the BC Wildfire Act.  Under this act a grass burn is split into two categories; under .5 acre (category 2) and over .5 acre (category 3).  A category 3 fire requires a burn registration number by calling 1-888-797-1717.   

  Know more by visiting BC Wildfire.

  • Category 1 Open Fire Burn (campfire)
  • Category 2 Open Fire Burn
  • Category 3 Open Fire Burn
  • Farmers and Ranchers Fact Sheet
• Alternatives to Burning

  As an alternative to burning, you could compost at home, utilize a wood chipper or take your yard and garden waste (year-round, free of charge) to one of the Regional District of North Okanagan’s Diversion and Disposal Facilities:

  • Armstrong/Spallumcheen Diversion & Disposal Facility (ASDDF), 3367 Powerhouse Road
  • Cherryville Transfer Station, 205 Aumond Road
  • Greater Vernon Diversion & Disposal Facility (GVDDF), 120 Birnie Road
  • Kingfisher Transfer Station, 150 Beattie Road
  • Lumby Diversion & Disposal Facility (LDDF), 221 Trinity Valley Road
• Do I need a Burning Permit?

  All open burns, with the exception of a small confined fire or campfire, require a permit.  

  Burn Type	Permit Required?	Fee
  Small Confined	No	None
  Class 'A'	Yes	$1,000
  Class 'B'	Yes	None
  Special Open Burning	Yes	$25

  Find Class 'A' Permit Application form here         Find a Class 'B' Permit Application form here

  NOTE: Class 'A' burns and Special Open burns may require inspection services at an additional fee.