West Kelowna, RDCO close several parks due to extreme fire hazard
For the first time since 2014, the Regional District of Central Okanagan has closed several regional parks due to the extreme fire hazard.
Closed parks are:
- Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park
- Coldham Regional Park
- Glen Canyon Regional Park
- Kalamoir Regional Park
- Rose Valley Regional Park
- Stephens Coyote Regional Park
- Scenic Canyon Regional Park
- Mission Creek Greenway (Phase 2)
“These regional parks will remain closed until further notice. The extended forecast predicts continued high temperatures which raises the potential danger of a serious fire," said Communications Director Bruce Smith "While many of these parks that are closed have had fuel modification work done, they are in forested areas with challenging terrain in close proximity to subdivisions and neighbourhoods. With the extreme fire danger the risk of any serious interface fire is high.”
Residents are asked to stay out of closed parks and obey any signs.
Anyone found inside a closed Regional Park could be subject to a fine of $500.
Any previously scheduled programs affected by the park closures will be moved to another regional park location and those registered will be notified of the change.
As well, the City of West Kelowna is closing eight community parks.
The closures will be on the Mount Boucherie Trails, Eain Lamont Park, Rose Valley Trail access, Casa Palmero Park, Davidson Creek Park, Shannon Way Park, Rock Ridge Park, and Wild Horse Park.
Staff are also reminding people that open burning, like campfires and backyard fire pits, are banned everywhere in the city right now.
You're also not allowed to set off fireworks, unless you have explicit permission from the West Kelowna Fire Rescue.
