With the Kamloops Fire Centre lifting Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions in parts of the region, the City of Vernon is reminding residents that open burning within City limits remains subject to the City's Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw.
Open burning permits are available annually from November 1 to April 30, unless otherwise prohibited. Residents wishing to conduct Category 2 or Category 3 burns within Vernon must obtain an approved burn permit before burning.
Before You Burn
Residents are reminded of the following requirements and best practices:
- Follow setback requirement of at least 500 m from residences and businesses, and 1,000 m from schools, hospitals, and community care facilities.
- Burn local vegetation only collected within 5 km of the burn site.
- Reduce material where possibly by chipping, composting, or recycling vegetation.
- Register Category 3 burns and keep a written record.
- Check the ventilation index and ensure conditions are rated “GOOD” for one-day burns. View the Province of BC’s Ventilation Index Map.
- Burn during permitted hours and fully extinguish fires when finished — begin burning at least one hour after sunrise and finish by 4:00 p.m. or two hours before sunset.
Permit applications are available at vernon.ca/fireprevention and must be submitted in person to Vernon Fire Rescue Services for consideration beginning November 1, 2026.
Residents are also reminded that campfires and outdoor fireplaces must comply with City regulations and good neighbour requirements.
Open burning can quickly become unsafe if weather or site conditions change. Anyone conducting a burn is responsible for monitoring it at all times and ensuring it is fully extinguished before leaving the area.
For more information about open burning regulations and permit requirements, visit bcwildfire.ca or the City of Vernon website.