The summer has been a mixed bag when it comes to weather, but the hot temperatures have finally arrived and that also means wildfire season is also here.
Flames erupted on the dry hillside along Westside Road Wednesday afternoon, posing a risk to Lake Okanagan Resort, youth camps and nearby residences.
As previous incidents have proven, wildfires can evolve quickly into significant emergencies. But quick action ensured the Cinnebar Creek blaze didn’t transform beyond about 2.8 hectares.
That is directly a result of the Wilson’s Landing Fire Department arriving quickly on scene and determining that the small volunteer group needed assistance.
Coming to help were the North Westside and West Kelowna fire departments as well as air and ground crews from the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Everyone involved deserves considerable praise for their dedication and willingness to work together. It’s through teamwork that a disaster was avoided.
The cause of the blaze is still unknown but it’s a reminder to all of us that the North Okanagan is at risk from wildfire.
We urge you to be careful with potential ignition sources, whether it’s cigarette butts, campfires or vehicle exhaust.
To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.
We all need to do our part to ensure 2016 isn’t scorched into the history book.