In windy conditions with hundreds of homes nearby, it looked like Tuesday’s wildfire in Kalamoir Regional Park could have had devastating consequences.
Fortunately, firefighters from local departments and the BC Wildfire Service were able to get a handle on it before it spread beyond eight hectares in size or to any homes.
While that news is positive, the effects on one of the Central Okanagan’s most popular green spaces is devastating.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) announced this morning that the regional park will remain closed until further notice for safety and damage assessments.
“We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who evacuated quickly and followed the direction of emergency personnel,” said Tracy Draper, the RDCO’s director of parks services.
“Your cooperation helped protect our community and ensured first responders were able to carry out their work safely and effectively.”
While the park was scorched on Tuesday, the RDCO says the result could have been much worse and it highlights the importance of fuel mitigation work.
Steps were taken in 2024 to eliminate fuels from Kalamoir that played an important role in reducing the severity of the wildfire.
“Community volunteer groups like Friends of Kalamoir frequently conduct clean ups of the park to aid in this work,” the RDCO noted.
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The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation, but the BCWS suspects that it was started by humans.
That doesn’t necessarily mean intentionally, of course, and the RDCO adds that it’s an important reminder to practice fire safety in all regional parks, especially as summer temperatures rise.
“Smoking, vaping, campfires and any open flame are not allowed any time in RDCO regional or community parks,” an RDCO release noted.
“Propane fueled barbecues are permitted, but must be attended and kept safely away from any flammable materials.”
After the fire was declared as ‘being held’ late Tuesday afternoon, the BCWS says it is now fully under control.
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