Vernon, Okanagan communities benefit from wildfire prevention investment

Communities across the Okanagan, including Vernon, Lake Country, Kelowna, Penticton and Peachland, are set to see increased wildfire protection and local job creation through new provincial funding aimed at reducing forest fire risk.

The Province is investing $20 million annually over three years through the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C., supporting 60 projects across the province focused on fuel reduction, ecosystem restoration and improved forest health. Officials say the work is designed to lower wildfire risk while strengthening long-term community resilience.

Several Okanagan-area projects are included in the funding list, including wildfire risk reduction work in Vernon, Darke Lake near the Okanagan Nation territory, and fuel mitigation planning linked to local forest and community areas.

In Vernon, funds will aid with fuel treatments at Ellison Park, and wildfire risk reduction works along Silver Star Road.