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District of West Kelowna press release/edited
With temperatures cooling after a long, hot spell, residents can feel a small sense of relief this fire season, but West Kelowna Fire Chief Wayne Schnitzler is asking residents to remain vigilant about wildfire.
“The weather is expected to cool and we hope to get rain, but firefighters can’t relax yet. We are only halfway through summer and we know we have to be on our toes,” says Schnitzler. “That is why it is so important that residents remain vigilant about fire prevention and protection.”
Residents have helped alert West Kelowna Fire & Rescue to fires within our community and in the surrounding hills. This support is always welcome. Residents are asked to call 911 if they spot a fire.
All open fires, including campfires, are banned within the District of West Kelowna until further notice.
Although this area is not new to the experience of interface forest fires, the current forest fire situation in BC is a reminder of the need to be prepared.
“We will see a record number of fires this year, but I can honestly say the best thing a resident living near interface forest areas can do is prepare their property for the possibility of a fire. If firefighters don’t have to worry about debris in yards, overhanging branches or nearby flammable materials, our work is much easier,” says Schnitzler. “There is good information available for homeowners on how to be prepared.”
The West Kelowna Fire Rescue website at www.westkelownfirerescue.com contains information on interface forest fires and evacuation protocol as well as links to important publications, including the Home Owners FireSmart Manual.
Residents should consider taking this time to familiarize themselves with their role in helping to prevent forest fires and mitigate damage.
Tags: wayne schnitzler, West Kelowna, wild fire
