The fire danger level sign at Mill Creek park.
Image Credit: Regional District of Central Okanagan
May 10, 2024 - 7:00 PM
The fire danger in the Central Okanagan has been bumped to high in all regional district parks ahead of what's expected to be sunny and hot weekend in the southern Interior.
The dry conditions and increasing temperature forecast has increased the risk of fires so the danger rating has risen to level four or high, according to a Regional District of Central Okanagan media release.
The regional district is asking visitors to use caution and be aware of fire prevention and safety requirements in the parks now and throughout the rest of spring and summer.
The regional district said smoking and open fires could result in a serious blaze that could threaten parks, amenities, residents and nearby homes.
READ MORE: Kamloops community pioneers rural wildfire fighting model by cooperating with authorities
The regional district is rotating warning sandwich boards to remind visitors that smoking and open fires are not allowed in parks and could result in penalties. Anyone violating the park bylaws can be fined between $250 and $1,000.
There are more than 2,100 hectares of parkland between the 28 regional and 20 district community parks, while two are still closed due to wildfire damage.
Anyone who sees a fire in any park should immediately call 911 to report it.
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