Fire safety is a major concern for the 麻豆精选 Fire Department (KFD) over the Canada Day long weekend.
On July 1, 2023, there was a wildfire on Knox Mountain prompting the cancellation of the fireworks show. Last year was also the 20th anniversary of the Okanagan Mountain fire, at which time the devastating McDougall Creek fire sparked.
鈥淐anada Day is a time for joy and festivities, but it is crucial to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent fire-related incidents that can dampen the spirit of the occasion,鈥� said Dennis Craig, assistant fire chief.
Craig added that despite recent rainfall, drought conditions persist in the Central Okanagan, and trees and other woody debris can catch fire easily.
鈥淲e want to remind residents and visitors that campfires are never allowed within the City of 麻豆精选.鈥�
There is also a province-wide ban on the use of unpermitted fireworks, binary explosives, and sky lanterns Craig noted.
The KFD has approved a fireworks permit for Canada Day hosted by Festivals 麻豆精选 in Waterfront Park. They will be deployed from a barge and the drop zone is over Okanagan Lake.
鈥淔ire danger is very real for our community in such a dry season,鈥� said Craig. 鈥淲e want to stress that fireworks are strictly prohibited without a permit from the 麻豆精选 Fire Department and ask that the public not shoot fireworks off in their neighbourhoods.鈥�
The fire department asks residents to keep the following in mind when preparing for summer season celebrations:
- Fireworks are not allowed in the city without obtaining a fireworks permit from the 麻豆精选 Fire Department;
- Bonfires/campfires are not allowed in city boundaries at any time;
- When using barbecues, do so in a safe location away from flammable objects and structures;
- The KFD, along with FireSmart BC, recommends pruning back highly combustible vegetation 鈥� such as cedars, fir and spruce trees 鈥� at least 1.5 metres away from your home.
For more information or fire safety tips, visit the City of 麻豆精选 website.
