Backcountry fire safety: your actions matter

INFORMATION RELEASE

With fire danger remaining high in many backcountry areas, everyone has a role to play in preventing wildfires and reporting concerns quickly.

If you see a wildfire or unsafe behaviour that could start one:

• Call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone immediately.

• If there is an immediate threat to life or property, call 911.

• RCMP and other enforcement agencies may issue fines for activities that violate fire restrictions.

Your information helps crews respond faster and more effectively.

• If it is safe to do so, take a photo and submit it using the BC Wildfire Service App.

• The app is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play.

When reporting a wildfire, be prepared to provide:

• Location: Where is the fire?

• Size: How large is it?

• Spread: Is it growing or moving quickly?

• Fuel: What is burning (grass, bushes, trees)?

• Smoke and Flames: What do you see?

• Threats: Are people, homes, or infrastructure at risk?

• Response: Is anyone attempting to extinguish it?

• Campfires: If reporting a campfire, can you tell if it is wood-burning or propane?

Remember: Early reporting can make a significant difference. A quick call from the public can help BC Wildfire Service crews respond sooner and reduce the risk of a small fire becoming a major wildfire.

Click the link to view provincial prohibitions and restrictions.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contact:
RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

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