Open Burning
For the months of April and October only, open burning of yard and garden waste on properties of 1 ac. (43,560 sq. ft.) or greater within Kamloops and Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc is allowed with a permit.
Alternatives to Burning
Under the 2012 Airshed Management Plan, the City is committed to ensuring that open burning is a last resort approach and is undertaken correctly to minimize contaminant emissions.
Before applying for a permit, please consider one of the following alternatives to burning:
- Compost, mulch, or reuse wood waste as much as possible on your own property.
- Drop off yard waste for free at City sites:
- Cinnamon Ridge (4.3 km west of the airport, Tranquille Road) accepts yard waste, including tree prunings and tree trunks up to a maximum 24 in. diameter (anything larger must be split).
- Barnhartvale Landfill, Landfill Diversion Area, and Yard Waste Site (Eliza Road) accepts yard waste, including tree prunings and tree trunks up to a maximum 6 in. diameter.
- Bunker Road Recycling Depot and Yard Waste Site (1455 Bunker Road) accepts yard waste, including tree prunings and tree trunks up to a maximum 6 in. diameter.
- Divert wood waste. The Resource Recovery Centre (400 Owl Road) and the Mission Flats Landfill (3095 Mission Flats Road) accept wood waste with a disposal fee of $100 per tonne.
Click here for more information, including hours of operation. For additional permit or Venting Index information, please call 250-372-5131. Please note that Venting Index information is updated daily after 8:00 am.
Air Quality Health Index
- View the current and forecast Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) for Kamloops.
- Access the BC Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) to view values for communities throughout B.C..
- Download the AQHI Canada app to access air quality health information from your mobile device.
Burning Permits & Costs
Minimum 1 ac. required
| Type of Burning | Cost | Inspection | Burn Season | Apply | Additional Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Fire | $50 | Yes | Year-round | Click to apply | 3 fires per year maximum |
| Farm | None | Yes | Nov-Mar 31 | Click to apply | Farm status required |
| Hazard Abatement | None | Yes | Nov-Mar 31 | Click to apply | |
| Development Land Clearing | $100/ac. | Yes | Nov-Mar 31 | Click to apply | Development Permit needed |
| Yard/Garden Waste | $100 | No | April and October only | Fire Station No. 1 |
Venting Index for November 18th is 27, - No Burning.
- Burning is prohibited on properties less than 1 ac. (43,560 sq. ft.)
- Permits are required for properties greater than 1 ac.
- Permits must be in place prior to burning.
- Burning is subject to Venting Index - check for daily update.
- Permits are not issued when Fire Danger Rating is HIGH or EXTREME.
For more information, read Bylaw No. 10-37
There are conditions that apply to these permits, and failure to comply with these conditions or obtain the necessary permit may result in a $500 fine.
Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- No burning outside the Venting Index
- No burning after dark
- No burning for commercial or industrial purposes or on properties less than 1 ac.
Permits for burning within Kamloops must be picked up at:
Fire Station No. 1
1205 Summit Drive
Phone: 250-372-5131
Burning permits will only be issued from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Payment by cash or cheques are accepted; please bring the exact amount.
Permits for burning within the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc must be picked up at:
Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc
Bylaw Services
Phone: 250-314-1570
Email: rochelle.leonard@kib.ca
