Osoyoos Fire Rescue extinguished a burn pile that was threatening a structure on April 7, just over a week before open burning season closes for the summer in various parts of the region. 

The department shared on social mediat that it was called to Bull Pine Road shortly after 11 a.m. for reports of smoke. 

Four trucks were dispatched, but due to the location of the fire, only two trucks and six firefighters were able to get at the fire as it extended towards a nearby structure. 

Despite being limited in resources, the firefighters were able to quickly knock the fire down and stay on scene until BC Wildfire Crews arrived. 

The fire was originally a burn pile that grew out of control. 

Just a day later, Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen issued a reminder that it will be closing the permission for open burning in the Anarchist Mountain, Kaleden, Naramata, Okanagan Falls and Willowbrook fire protection areas startin on April 15. 

The closure is standard under the RDOS bylaw and usually stretches to Oct. 15, though it may be extended or shortened depending on current conditions. 

Osoyoos, as well as Keremeos and Penticton, have their own fire protection services that may differ in when their regulations are put into place.

The Kamloops Fire Centre also has the power to activate a regional fire prohibition due to the risk of wildfires in the summer. 

In the RDOS' five fire protection areas, campfires that burn wood in one pile not exceeding 0.5 metres in height and 0.5 metres in width, and specifically for heating or warmth, cooking, or Indigenous ceremonial purpose, are still allowed under their bylaw. 

However, further restrictions on campfires can be made at any time.