West Kelowna's annual FireSmart Family Day is happening this Saturday

The City of West Kelowna is inviting residents to the annual FireSmart Family Day this weekend.

The event runs from 11 am to 2 pm at Fire Hall #31 located at 3651 Old Okanagan Highway.

The annual event will include family-friendly activities, FireSmart demos, free food and refreshments and a chance to meet Ember the Fire Fox and Sparky the Fire Dog.

A news release from the city says the annual event is meant to give the community a chance to brush up on FireSmart principles in time for the 2024 wildfire season.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue firefighters, city staff and others will be on site to answer questions about how people can prepare their homes for the fire season.

Although the event is free, attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation in support of the local food bank.

Old Okanagan Highway, between Drought and Apollo Roads, and Apollo Road at Old Okanagan Highway, will be closed from 10 am to 3 pm to accommodate the event.

However, access to businesses and homes in the area will be maintained.