Vernon Fire Rescue Services

Soft surface? Hard pass.

Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or bare floor.

Open burning season begins November 1 in Vernon.🔥

Residents planning a Category 2 or 3 open burn must obtain an approved permit before burning. Permits are available annually from November 1 to April 30, unless otherwise prohibited.

Before burning, make sure you understand the requirements, including setbacks, permitted materials, ventilation conditions, and burning hours.

For more information about open burning regulations and permit requirements, visit vernon.ca/fireprevention or bcwildfire.ca.

Fully Charged? Time to Unplug.

Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving it plugged in longer than needed can increase heat and stress on the battery.

Safe Charging Is a Superpower!

Fire Prevention Week™ is here! This years theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower” focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.

Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.

Planning to Burn?

A burning permit is required for all Category 2 or 3 fires. (not compliant campfires)

Before applying for a burning permit (Nov 1-April 30), check whether your proposed burn site meets the eligibility requirements:

📍 Is your property within the City of Vernon?
➡️If yes, continue with the following questions. If not, contact your local authority.

🔥 Is your burn pile within 500 m of a structure or business?
➡️ If yes, burning is not permitted.

🏫 Is your burn pile within 1,000 m of a school or hospital?
➡️ If yes, burning is not permitted.

🌲 Are you burning vegetative debris collected within 5 km of your burn site?
➡️ You may be eligible to apply for a burning permit.

Remember: All burning requires a valid burning permit as per City of Vernon Bylaw #5635

Check the requirements and obtain your permit before you burn.

For additional information visit [email protected]

🔥 Thinking about having a campfire in Vernon?

Campfires are allowed within the City of Vernon, as long as you follow the rules under Bylaw #5635.

A reminder from the Province of BC: a Category 1 campfire is a small one, no bigger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide. (Anything larger counts as a Category 2 fire and isn’t permitted.)

Before you strike a match, make sure:
🚫 The Air Quality Health Index is 3 or lower
🚫 The Ventilation Index is 55 or higher
🚫 Conditions aren’t hazardous
🚫 And there’s no fire ban in place
🚫 You are only burning clean, dry, seasoned wood; burning of residential waste, including both household and yard materials, is strictly prohibited in the open air.
🚫 You have a means to extinguish the fire

You can check the Ventilation Index by calling 1-888-281-2992 (Environment Canada).

For all the details, visit www.vernon.ca
📘 Fire Services Bylaw #5635
📘 Good Neighbour Bylaw #4980
🔥 Fire Safety & Prevention Info

Category 2 and 3 burning in Vernon requires an annual permit (between November 1 and April 31)

📣 Calling all Vernon K-Grade 3 teachers!

Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10.

VFRS would like to provide your class with a fire prevention package.

Email [email protected] to place your order. These will go quick!

Safe Charging Is a Superpower!

Fire Prevention Week™ is October 4–10, 2026. “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower” focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.

Plug in. Power up. Stay safe.

LABOUR DAY WEEKEND SAFETY REMINDER 🚒

As we enjoy the final long weekend of summer, Vernon Fire Rescue Services reminds everyone to take a few extra moments to keep yourselves, your families and our community safe.

🔥 Fire & outdoor safety
• Never leave a campfire, BBQ or outdoor cooking unattended.
• Make sure fires are completely extinguished.
• Keep anything that can burn well away from heat sources.

🚗 Be safe on the roads
• Plan ahead and never drive impaired.
• Slow down, stay focused and watch for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
• Give yourself extra time — arriving safely is what matters.

And tomorrow, school is back!
As students return to classrooms, please slow down and watch for children and youth walking, biking and crossing our roads. Pay extra attention in school zones, around school buses and at crosswalks.

A new school year means more activity on our roads and sidewalks. Put the phone down, slow down and give students the space they need to get to school safely.

From all of us at Vernon Fire Rescue Services, have a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend and welcome back, students! ❤

Let’s make safety part of the routine, all year long.

🏕️🔥Campfires return to Vernon at 12 p.m. on September 3.

While cooler temperatures and recent precipitation have reduced wildfire risk, residents are reminded to enjoy campfires safely and responsibly. Category 2 and 3 open fires remain prohibited.

The BC Wildfire Service has also rescinded the off-road vehicle prohibition throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre. Residents using off-road vehicles are encouraged to continue exercising caution.

Visit our website for more information: https://bit.ly/4x2iXVm