Photo: RDCO

Several Central Okanagan parks have been closed due to extreme to fire hazard.

The following parks are closed until further notice: 

• Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park.
• Coldham Regional Park
• Glen Canyon Regional Park
• Kalamoir Regional Park
• Rose Valley Regional Park
• Rose Valley Trail access – McDougall Road
• Stephens Coyote Regional Park
• Scenic Canyon Regional Park
• Mission Creek Greenway (Phase 2)
• Mt. Boucherie Trails – including Boucherie Rush and Boucherie Grind
• Eain Lamont Park – Lakeview Cove Road
• Casa Palmero Park and Walkway – Casa Palmero Drive
• Davidson Creek Park  - Shannon Woods Drive
• Shannon Way Park – Shannon Way
• Rock Ridge Park – Griffiths Place
• Wild Horse Park – Wild Horse Drive

"The extended forecast predicts continued high temperatures, which raises the potential danger of a serious fire.  While many of these parks that are closed have had fuel modification work done, they are in forested areas with challenging terrain in close proximity to subdivisions and neighbourhoods.  With the extreme fire danger the risk of any serious interface fire is high," said regional district spokesman Bruce Smith.

Residents are asked to stay out of closed parks and obey any signage. Anyone found inside a closed regional park could be subject to a fine of $500.

The public is reminded that open burning, including campfires and in backyard fire pits, is not allowed. Smoking is also not allowed in public parks.

Member municipalities of the Regional Emergency Program have agreed on a united approach to parks closures in the Central Okanagan.

The criteria for closures, formulated with local fire departments, includes:

• At least three days of extreme fire danger rating
• Access/egress limitations and the potential for entrapment of park users
• Fire suppression resource limitations, including manpower, water sources, equipment, and provincial support
• Critical infrastructure including communication towers, utilities, reservoirs and pump stations
• High-risk interface areas respecting topography, aspect, fuel loading and areas that have not received fuel treatments
• History involving previous fire issues, transient camping and bush parties
• Communication/consistency with the province and other jurisdictions