Let’s work together to stay cool during extreme heat

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

With record-breaking hot, dry weather and extreme fire hazard persisting in the Okanagan, the City of West Kelowna in partnership with other local governments and agencies, is offering information to prevent wildfires and to help residents beat the heat and keep everyone cooler, healthier and safer.

Campfire ban and fire prevention

Effective noon Wednesday, June 30, and until further notice, all campfires are prohibited throughout all Central Okanagan municipalities and electoral area Fire Service Areas.

If you see smoke, call 9-1-1

Residents are encouraged to report anyone who is illegally burning by calling the Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577. Open burning has been prohibited within the Central Okanagan since April 30.

We do not permit smoking, vaping, open flames and tools/equipment without spark arresters in any parks; we do not permit motorized recreational vehicles in our parks.

Dispose of matches and cigarettes in ashtrays; never toss from windows.

Cooling stations

West Kelowna has had very few take advantage of the cooling centre at Lakeview Heights Baptist Church, 2630 Alhambra Drive; and so, as of 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, the centre will close until further notice.

Services for vulnerable populations in our region will continue and are being supported directly through the many partnerships in place. Depending on conditions throughout the summer, the cooling centres can be re-opened as needed.

Heat Health and Safety

Avoid long-term sun exposure, limit physical exertion, stay well hydrated and seek shade and respite from the heat. Find more heat-related health and safety resources from Interior Health at:

• interiorhealth.ca/news

Protect our City and Regional Parks

The City of West Kelowna and Regional District of Central Okanagan do not permit smoking, vaping, open flames or fires in municipal or regional parks.

Do not use tools or equipment that can cause fires. Motorized recreational vehicles are not permitted in parks.

Violators could receive a fine and be charged the cost of the fire department response to a burning complaint.

If you see smoke, call 9-1-1. To report anyone who is illegally burning, call the Regional Fire Dispatch Centre at 250-469-8577.

Safe City capital projects and operations

We may move some standard operations from a 7:30 a.m. to a 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. start as required. Staff will be as respectful as possible when working earlier in residential areas.

We will significantly reduce weeding and similar outdoor exerting activities. We will suspend flail mowing due to fire risks.

Staff health and safety are our top priorities; crews will require more frequent cooling and water breaks throughout the day on both maintenance and construction sites.

We thank the public for their patience and understanding.

Parks staff may prioritize maintenance at waterfront parks and the spray park as they are in higher use.

Water conservation

Learn about current water regulations in the City of West Kelowna at: westkelownacity.ca/water

Learn water conservation tips at okwaterwise.ca.

Water is the source of all life in the Okanagan. It is essential to our well-being and to the creatures we share this valley with. It is central to the stunning landscape, strong economy, and unique culture of the Okanagan.