Fire Prevention & Life Safety

Our Fire Prevention and Life Safety Division is dedicated to protecting lives, property, and our community through education, inspections, code enforcement, and proactive safety initiatives. By working closely with residents, businesses, schools, and community partners, we help reduce risk before emergencies happen. From fire safety planning and public education to building inspections and emergency preparedness, our goal is simple: to keep our community safe, informed, and resilient.

Fire Interface Zone Map

More Fire & Safety links

Open Burning Permits

As per section 5.6 of Fire Services Bylaw #5635 (under review) a burning permit is required for open burning. Open Burning Permit

Completed applications must be reviewed by the Fire Chief or designate prior to payment. Please note that the Province of BC has made changes to the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR), please see the factsheet below for guidance.
- Open burning permits will only be issued between November 1 and April 30 and can be cancelled during a fire ban.
- Permits will only be issued for open burning authorized by the Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR).
- You can view the OBSCR factsheet here.
- You can view the Ventilation Index Interactive Map here.
If you have any questions regarding burn permits, please contact 250-550-3561.

Special Public Events Permits

Special Public Events Permit
The Province of BC defines a Category 1 campfire size as:
- Any fire no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide (a fire larger than this is considered a Category 2 fire).
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fi…;

Fire Interface Zone Map

No person shall light a campfire or outdoor fireplace, or permit a campfire or outdoor fireplace to burn when;

a) the Air Quality Health Index is greater than 3, or

b) the Ventilation Index is less than 55, or

c) condition are hazardous, or

d) a fire ban is in place.

Environment Canada (venting index) Phone: 1-888-281-2992

Good Neighbour Bylaw

Fire Services Bylaw

Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation Factsheet
- Building Owner's Responsibilities for Fire Safety Equipment
- Carbon Monoxide Safety - Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide.
  
  https://www.nfpa.org/
- Fire Safety for Kids
  
  www.sparky.org/
  
  www.firefacts.org/
  
  www.safekids.org/fire
- Fire Prevention Officers Association of B.C.
  
  www.fpoa.bc.ca/
- BC Office of the Fire Commissioner
  
  http://www2.gov.bc.ca/
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  
  www.nfpa.org/safety-information
- Canadian Safety Council
  
  canadasafetycouncil.org
  
  canadasafetycouncil.org/campaigns/fire_safety
- BC Wildfire Prevention
  
  bcwildfire.ca/prevention/
- BC Wildfire Provincial fire bans
  
  bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp
- Ministry ot Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  
  Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation Factsheet
- Fire Watch Procedures
- Danger! Gasoline
- Natural Gas Safety
- Propane Barbecue Safety Tips
- www.knowfire.ca
- BC Fire Code
  
  bccodes.ca/fire-code.aspx
- BC Building Code
  
  www.bccodes.ca
  
  housing.gov.bc.ca/building/code_questions/index.htm
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  
  www.nfpa.org/freeaccess
Lock Boxes provide building owners and residents certainty that their building can be accessed by the fire department.
- The property owner is responsible for the ordering and cost of the lock box.
- The lock box will be mailed to the owner and the lid will be mailed to the fire department.
- The fire department will install the lid once the owner has installed the lock box at the main entrance to the property.
Lock Box Order Form

For lid installation or more information please contact fire@vernon.ca
As per section 5.11 of Fire Services Bylaw #5635, mobile caterers conducting business within the City and utilizing commercial cooking equipment, that creates grease laden vapours in a confined compartment, must maintain and operate exhaust and hood systems that comply with Article 2.6.1.9 of the BC Fire Code.

An appointment is required to have your mobile catering equipment inspected, this can be arranged by completing the form below. Inspections are subject to a $50 fee, as per Bylaw #5804

MOBILE VENDOR INSPECTION REQUEST

Fire Prevention & Life Safety

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