Photo: Contributed

North Okanagan residents, especially those living in an interface area, are urged to reduce fuel loads on their property and be prepared for the possibility of emergencies.

Regional district officials are urging people to take action now to protect their property from wildfires.

With current fire danger ratings between three and four (maximum is 5), homeowners should be taking action to FireSmart their property against wildfires.

North Okanagan residents, especially those living in an interface area, are urged to reduce fuel loads on their property and be prepared for the possibility of emergencies.

Residents can download a “FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual” from the Government of British Columbia website that provides simple and preventative steps to reduce wildfire hazards.

“We are available to meet with neighbourhoods and groups in the area to provide advice on what can be achieved, and methods to reduce the risk,” said Alastair Crick, manager of Protective Services. “PreparedBC has a variety of resources available for everyone to be proactive in educating themselves.”

An interactive wildfire map is also available online, and allows residents to view the location and details of active wildfires in the province as well as fire centre boundaries.

The Regional District of North Okanagan falls within the Kamloops/Central fire zone.

The RDNO reminds residents any open burns larger than a campfire are prohibited in the region. A campfire burn is identified as half a metre wide by half a metre long by half a meter high.