Rural residents are being reminded of the wildfire risk that surrounds them.
The Regional District of North Okanagan’s Electoral Advisory Committee has gone over emergency plans i case a wildfire were to break out in one of the five areas.
“August is generally notorious for lighting strikes so we want to raise awareness about the issue,” said Herman Halvorson, EAAC chairperson and rural Enderby director.
The directors for Cherryville, rural Lumby, BX-Silver Star, BX-Swan Lake and rural Enderby will make their residents of the need for caution, particularly when it comes to discarding cigarettes and the ongoing campfire ban.
“We need people to be aware that a little spark can cause a fire,” said Halvorson.
Parts of rural Enderby, rural Lumby and the BX are served by fire departments, but much of the electoral areas have no fire protection. If a wildfire were to occur, the lead agency is the provincial Ministry of Forests.
“I’m confident we can address the issue to the best of our ability but what we really need is rain,” said Halvorson.
To report a wildfire or open-burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.