A FireSmart community is a safer community

Date of Issue: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

Be FireSmart, West Kelowna!

That is the call from West Kelowna Fire Rescue Chief Jason Brolund as firefighters and staff are deployed to help other communities, while also remaining ready here at home.

“I am grateful for our community and how they always answer the call in these difficult times to support evacuees, offer support to neighboring communities and remain vigilant here at home to keep the Westside safe,” said Brolund. “Let’s do all we can to help avoid another wildfire within our city.”

Chief Brolund is asking everyone in our community – residents, businesses and visitors – to keep their FireSmart lenses on and see wildfire risks for the danger that they are to our loved ones, our first responders and our neighbourhoods.

“Campfires are banned, yes, but other important actions need to be taken as well including clearing hazards around your home, like wood piles, and others that may not be as obvious, such as straw mats, which can be a risk from ember transfer. Taking FireSmart actions are proven to help a home’s wildfire survivability.”

Other reminders are:

• No fires or smoking in parks.
• Off-road vehicles are banned from the back country.
• Do not toss cigarettes on the ground or out car windows.
• Do not use gas-power or other tools that can leak and spark near combustible areas, like cedar hedges, long grasses and forested areas.
• Remove cedar hedges and combustibles that are next to your house and keep roofs and eaves clear of pinecones and needles, leaves and other debris. 

Learn more at firesmartcanada.ca/firesmart-at-home.