Campfire ban imposed
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Updated: July 30, 2009 7:12 AM
A ban on open campfires in the district will continue until extreme hazard conditions cease.
Assistant fire chief Glenn Noble noted that cities across the Central Okanagan have adopted similar bans.
The Summerland prohibition on campfires is already in effect. He said this area is at the same fire risk level as the areas around West Kelowna affected by forest fires.
“We’re at an extreme level.”
Noble added that typically, Summerland sees the current hot, dry weather conditions in mid-August.
“You only have two weeks to go before cooler weather and more humidity. The issue now is we’ve still got a month and a bit to go. That’s a long time.”
He pointed out that in 20 years, there have only been three campfire bans within the district.
Regarding illegal bush fires, Noble said it is tough for the fire department to get to all areas to post notices.
“You know there’ll be people that’ll still have them. There’s only so much you can do,” he said.
“It’s the same old story, the bad apple that wrecks it for everybody.”
Noble said the fire department is informing the public of the ban through sandwich boards up around town, news releases, publishing on the website and through the municipal newsletter.
“Other than that, if people see a campfire anywhere, they need to report it.”
To report a fire, residents can phone the Summerland Fire Department at 250-494-7211.
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