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Coldstream Fire Department were quick to respond to a fire in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 24. (File photo/Vernon Matters)
By Liam Verster
High Fire Risk

Residents urged to be cautious after fire in park near Coldstream

Jul 25, 2022 | 10:42 AM

Area residents are being reminded that there is an increased risk of fires sparking and spreading in local communities following a close call in Coldstream.

District of Coldstream chief administrative officer, Trevor Seibel, told Vernon Matters that there was a fire in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, adjacent to the district’s boundary, in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 24.

Fire crews were quickly dispatched to the scene and extinguished the blaze before it could spread further into the community and surrounding area.

Seibel said the cause of the fire is under investigation, and could not provide any further details.

With hot, dry weather in the forecast, the District of Coldstream is advising residents, visitors and users of local infrastructure to be cautious and make sure their actions do not cause a fire.

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People are reminded that open fires and equipment and activities, including Category 2 and 3 open fires, fireworks, burn barrels or burn cages and flares are prohibited in the Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes Coldstream, Vernon and much of the interior. Those regulations were put into effect by the B.C. Wildfire Service on July 15.

Failure to comply with provincial or local prohibitions can result in fines up to $10,000.

People who see a wildfire or burning violation is asked to call 1-800-663-555 or *5555 on a cell phone to report the fire.

Fires within city or municipal boundaries, as well as the discharging of fireworks or flares, should be reported to emergency services at 911.

by Liam Verster
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