Okanagan residents urged to be vigilant as warmer temperatures increase fire risk

As warmer weather sets in across the Okanagan, outdoor enthusiasts are soaking it in. “We love it, ” said West Kelowna resident Francine Lauze. “Anytime we can get outside to enjoy the warm weather, it’s beautiful.”But with the warm weather about to heat up even more this weekend, there’s a concern for potential fire starts.“Things are already dry and this, these hot temperatures are just going to exacerbate that,” said Karley Desrosiers, a fire information officer with B.C. Wildfire Service.“We do expect that there will be some more wildfire starts, so we do have crews on standby, in anticipation of the potential for fires.”The Okanagan is all too familiar with devastating wildfires and while the peak season is still weeks away, with highs of nearly 30 degrees by Sunday, residents are being urged to be vigilant. Story continues below advertisement “Throughout this weekend, we want people to start being a little bit more diligent,” said Dennis Craig, assistant fire chief with the Kelowna Fire Department.“You see smoke in the hills, you call that *5555 number. Report it to BC Wildfire. If it’s within the city, you know, call 9-1-1, and report that, report that smoke.” Get breaking National news Get