Reminder issued to be fire safe as heat continues in the Okanagan – Okanagan

With sunshine and warm temperatures dominating the weather forecast for the Okanagan for the next two weeks, the Kelowna Fire Department has a simple advice: be fire safe.

KFD has issued a reminder that open burning is prohibited within city limits. This includes campfires and outdoor wood-burning appliances, such as fireplaces.

« This includes private property, » the fire department noted.

Additionally, smoking, campfires, and briquette barbecues are also not permitted in city or Central Okanagan Regional District parks. However, propane barbecues are permitted.

For private properties, propane and natural gas campfire appliances and fire tables are permitted.

The fire department said anyone found in violation of the city’s fire bylaws could be subject to a $345 fine.

He also said other potential hazards that can start fires include carelessly discarded cigarettes, dragging chains, hot machinery and light rays reflecting off glass and mirrors.

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“Despite early season rain, recent warm weather has created dry conditions across the region,” said Kyle Jacobson, fire and life safety educator with the Kelowna Fire Department.

« A spark from a campfire can easily jump out and ignite surrounding kindling, so we’re asking everyone to please follow these rules and help protect our communities from wildfires this season. »

For more information and fire prevention tips, including how to FireSmart homes and businesses, visit the City of Kelowna website or FireSmartBC. For emergency preparedness tips, visit the Central Okanagan Regional District website.

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