Dry conditions close upper Knox Mountain Drive

KELOWNA – Extremely dry conditions have closed parts of Knox Mountain Park Drive to vehicle traffic.

Effective immediately, only pedestrians and cyclists will be allowed beyond the first lookout, Urban Forestry Supervisor Blair Stewart says in a media release.

“We’ve had hot weather the past few days which has resulted in our parks becoming extremely dry and significantly increasing fire risk,” he says. “The entire park will remain open to the public, but we are limiting access by vehicle to the upper portion of Knox Mountain as a preventative safety measure. Park users are asked to be cautious while in the park.”

The closure will remain in effect until risk of fire has diminished.

Campfires and barbecues are also not allowed in City or Regional District parks, with the exception of barbecues on beaches. Smoking is banned from all city and regional parks.

Anyone who sees smoke or fire in any park should immediately call *5-5-5-5, the B.C. Wildfire Management Branch or 9-1-1.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.