The assessment of the risk of fire will increase

Photo: Mike Biden

A firefighter battles a brush fire in Penticton last year

As the warm, dry weather persists, the risk of fire will increase in the next few days, and the West Kelowna Fire Department is urging Westside residents to be fireproof.

The West Kelowna Fire Department is reminding residents to dispose of cigarettes in ashtrays and never to throw them out of windows. You are also reminded to use extreme caution around campfires in the back yard. Keep them small to less than half a meter in diameter and erase them completely when they’re done.

If you see smoke call 9-1-1.

Local residents are encouraged to contain forest fires on their properties. Clean and well-kept houses are often in wildfire.

Homeowners who implement fire safety measures to reduce the impact of forest fires can receive a grant of up to $ 500 per property.

For further information, click here.