Press release from the Regional District of Central Okanagan on July 29, 2020:
This morning a potentially dangerous situation was averted in Glen Canyon Regional Park.
Regional Parks staff found and extinguished a campfire near the park entrance along Upper Smith Creek Road. West Kelowna Fire Rescue also attended.
With a rising fire hazard and continued hot, dry conditions in the forecast, everyone is reminded that smoking, vaping, fires or open flames are not allowed any time in regional parks or RDCO Community Parks. If anyone in a park sees a fire, they should immediately call 9-1-1 to report it.
While the fines for anyone found violating the Regional Parks or RDCO Community Parks bylaws range from $250 to $1,000, the larger danger is that such activity could result in a serious fire that threatens nearby residential areas.
In addition to the regular signage at park entrances, special Fire Warning sandwich boards are being rotated around the regional park system reminding visitors of the fire hazard and that smoking and open fires are not allowed.
There are more than 2,100 hectares of parkland available to discover in 30 regional and 20 RDCO community parks. Find all the locations at rdco.com/pickapark. Please be safe and remember to keep at least two metres between yourself and other visitors.