The City of Vernon is advising that, in coordination with the Kamloops Fire Centre, Category 2 and Category 3 open burning will be prohibited effective 12:00 p.m. noon today. This prohibition will remain in place until October 19, 2026, or until rescinded.
This measure is being implemented to help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. Anyone conducting Category 2 or Category 3 open fires must ensure those fires are fully extinguished by noon today.
Category 2 open burning refers to open fires that burn material in one or more piles not exceeding 2 metres in height and 3 metres in width, or stubble or grass burning over an area not exceeding 0.2 hectares.
Category 3 open burning refers to larger open fires including multiple piles, larger piles exceeding 2 metres in height or 3 metres in width, windrows, or stubble and grass burning over areas exceeding 0.2 hectares.
In addition to Category 2 and Category 3 open burning, the following activities and equipment are also restricted:
- Air curtain burners
- Carbonizers
- Binary exploding targets
- Fireworks, as defined in the Fireworks Act of BC
- Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description (except when used for a Category 1 campfire as defined in the Wildfire Regulation)
- Controlled air incinerators
This prohibition does not apply to small campfires no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide, or to cooking stoves that use gas, propane, or briquettes.
The City of Vernon thanks residents for their ongoing efforts to help prevent wildfires. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, please use the BC Wildfire Service mobile app reporting feature, or call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 from a cell phone.