Cautionary notice from Penticton as B.C. Wildfire crews continue suppression efforts near Oliver
PENTICTON – The City of Penticton is urging residents to take extra care while using interface areas of the municipality.
Communications Officer Simone Blais says the city identified high hazard areas last week, including Munson Mountain and the Kettle Valley Trail as places where the public needs to take “that extra step to make sure the community is protected.”
The continuing extremely dry conditions prompted the advisory today, August 18. In it, residents are being asked to be extra conscious of machinery being used in grassy areas, noting hot exhaust, discarded, unextinguished cigarettes and electric fences contribute to the causes of wildfires in the province, half of which are human caused.
“The fire department is still getting calls for campfires, even with a ban in place since early July,” she says.
“People are not always recognizing fire hazards posed by such things as machinery and hot works,” she adds, noting signage has been placed to remind people of the need to be cautious.
For more information, see the city web page.
The B.C. Wildfire Service reports today increased smoke from the Testalinden Creek fire as B.C. Wildfire crews work around the clock to establish containment lines and control flare ups.
Controlled “burn-out” operations may take place over the next few days as crews work to eliminate remaining unburnt fuel between the fire guard and the wildfire. This action will remove fuel from the fire’s path and help strengthen containment lines and fire guards.
For more information on local wild fire activity, visit: http:/www.bcwildfire.ca
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