REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN
July 7, 2026
Dry conditions increase wildfire risk: campfire ban begins July 10 across the Central Okanagan
With hot temperatures and dry conditions increasing wildfire risk, a campfire ban will take effect on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12 p.m. across Central Okanagan municipalities and Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) electoral area fire service areas to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.
In alignment with our partners at the BC Wildfire Service, the campfire ban will remain in effect until further notice.
The ban applies to all local government fire jurisdictions within the RDCO, including the City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Westbank First Nation, and the Ellison, Joe Rich, North Westside and Wilson’s Landing fire service areas (Electoral Area East and Electoral Area West). Campfires are not permitted at any time within the City of Kelowna.
Anyone who lights a campfire during the ban may be fined and charged for the cost of the fire department response. To report illegal burning, call the Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577.
Fire departments remind residents and visitors to fully extinguish smoking materials and to never toss cigarette butts or ashes from vehicles. Motorists, please use an ashtray. Smoking is not allowed in local parks in the Central Okanagan.
To prevent accidental fires and injuries, fireworks are banned within the Central Okanagan unless specifically permitted by a local fire department. All open burning has been prohibited within the Central Okanagan since April 30.
For provincial fire bans and restrictions, visit BC Wildfire Service.
