Outdoor Burning Regulations and Bylaws
Between October 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010 outdoor burning may occur within City of Kelowna:
- on properties greater than 1 hectare (2.47 acres).
- when a special permit is isssued from the Kelowna Fire Department by phoning 250 469-8801.
- when Air Quality (25 or lower) and Venting (65 or higher) conditions are good.
Those caught without a Burning Permit or breaking the rules of the permit may be subject to fines or charges associated to the Fire Call.
Good Burning Practices
- Call the Outdoor Burning Hotline to make sure burning is permitted on that day. Phone 250 470-5155 and follow the prompts: Select 1, then 2. Both the Air Quality (25 or lower) and Venting (65 or higher) Indexes must be ‘Good’ before burning.
- Stumps and branches over 8” in diameter must be dried for a minimum of two years in accordance with local bylaws.
- Burning should not start until 10am, since weather conditions are usually poor for venting smoke away from the earth’s surface before that time.
- Ensure that prunings and small branches are dry before burning.
- Make smaller piles, with good air ventilation for efficient burning.
- Check wind direction to keep smoke away from neighbours.
Alternatives to Burning
Agriculturists and residents are encouraged to take advantage of other options such as flail mowing, chipping or air curtain burning.
Air Curtain Burning
Utilize forced air to burn wood faster and with less smoke. Contact the Kelowna Fire Department to learn more about forced air incineration options for burning agricultural or land clearing wood waste.
Free Agricultural Chipping Program
The Regional Air Quality Program is offering a free service for Central Okanagan orchardists who want to chip wood waste material that has come from an orchard removal. This type of debris typically includes stumps and branches. See the Wood Waste Chipping Project page or contact the Regional Air Quality Coordinator, Nicole Marzinzik at 250 469-8408.
Wood Grinding Companies
The following companies grind stumps, whole trees and other wood wastes:
- Huska Holdings: 250 762-4028
- AB Contracting: 250 398-0440
- North Okanagan Grinding: 250 546-6736
- EVS Wood Reduction: 250 768-0608
Portable Chipper Rentals
Wood chippers that can chip branches up to 6” or 12” in diameter are available from several local rental companies. These chippers are portable so they can be towed behind your vehicle.
- Mainline Rent-All (12”): 250860-3510
- Westside Rentals (6”) 250-768-7606
- Mark Turton (12”) and Flail Mowing: 250 763-7797
Tree Service Contractors
There are several companies you can hire to chip wood waste material. Please check the Yellow Pages of the phone book under “Tree Service”.
Free Year-round Yard Waste Drop Off at Landfills
Yard waste and prunings (under 8” diameter) weighing less than 250 kg (550 lb) can be dropped off at the Glenmore Landfill for free. Loads weighing more than 250 kg will be charged $25.00/tonne.
Curbside Yard Waste Pickup
Consult your 2010 Living Greener Calendar 
or the Yard Waste page for Pickup information. Bi-weekly curbside collection runs March through November. Call the Waste Reduction Office
at 250 469-6250 for more information.
The Regional Air Quality Program is a joint inititive between the City of Kelowna, the Regional District of Central Okanagan, District of Peachland, District of West Kelowna and District of Lake Country.
Contact
For more information on Air Quality, please contact:
Nicole Marzinzik
Regional Services
250 469-8408
nmarzinzik@kelowna.ca
