Fire and flood seasons showing overlap

The rising temperatures and lack of rain have local fire officials concerned.

“The Kelowna Fire Department has been busy responding to several fire starts, including numerous outdoor fires in the community since the beginning of the year. While it is technically freshet season, the drier conditions are a clear indication that the risk of wildfire is already present,” a City of Kelowna news release stated.

Temperatures are expected to climb through the weekend, elevating the risks and making it even more important to be aware and take precautions.

“We are reminding residents that open fires are not permitted in the City of Kelowna and there is no open burning permitted within city limits,” Paul Johnson, Fire Prevention Officer, Kelowna Fire Department, said. “Campfires, pizza ovens, fire pits, Chimeneas and other outdoor wood burning appliances are not permitted at any time. Propane, natural gas and charcoal briquette fueled appliances are permitted.”

Fire crews have the ability to issue bylaw fines if they are notified of a campfire in the city limits.

“We all need to do our part to help keep our community safe and to protect our natural environment. The city conducts fuel mitigation initiatives, is updating its Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan this year and updates and reviews the Wildfire Development Permit process, Subdivision, Zoning and other related bylaws regularly,” said Johnson. “But we need residents and visitors to be vigilant as well.”

For information about the Fire and Life Safety Bylaw which restricts open fires in Kelowna, visit kelowna.ca/fire. If residents see a campfire or outdoor wood burning taking place, they are urged to call 9-1-1.

The Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) continues to educate homeowners about wildfire risks on properties using FireSmart guidelines. FireSmart is a national program designed to engage homeowners in voluntary wildfire mitigation activities by offering a professional home assessment with property-specific recommendations. The assessment provides an accurate evaluation of a home and property for wildfire exposure, while engaging the homeowners in their unique risk and ways to reduce that risk.

While the KFD typically knock on doors each spring to connect with residents in target neighbourhoods, this practice has been impeded by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Kelowna residents can call the Fire Department at 250-469-8788 throughout the year to have their home assessed.

For emergency preparedness and information about how residents can be prepared in the event of a local wildfire emergency, visit cordemergency.ca.