Wildfires can turn normal driving into a high-risk situation. If you’re on the road in an affected area, preparation and calm decision-making are essential.
Check conditions before leaving. Road closures and detours are common and delays can be long. Keep your tank at least half full and carry extra water in case you’re stopped.
When smoke is heavy, reduce speed, increase following distance, and use your headlights to help others see you. Stay alert for emergency crews, equipment, and evacuees who may be moving unpredictably.
Keep windows closed and set ventilation to recirculate. If you must pull over, choose a safe, clear location away from trees, grass, or brush. Use a mask if you need to get out.
Above all, avoid unnecessary trips through wildfire zones. Staying off the road helps protect you and gives responders the space they need to work safely.
The Nelson & Area Wildfire Risk Reduction Committee is inviting residents and visitors in the Kootenays to take part in a family-friendly Wildfire Awareness Party at Lakeside Park on Thursday, July 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. Hosted at the Rotary BBQ Shelter, the event promises a vibrant afternoon of family-friendly fun and engaging conversation, including a free BBQ, music, games, and prizes.
This is the fourth year the committee has hosted the community event. Representatives from the City of Nelson, Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), BC Wildfire Service, Ministry of Forests, and BC Parks will be on hand to answer questions and showcase the wide range of local risk-reduction efforts.
The City of Nelson and the RDCK have been active leaders in wildfire mitigation. In recent years, both have implemented numerous FireSmart initiatives, including free Home Ignition Zone assessments and rebate programs for homeowners. Through Nelson’s Wildfire Resilience Program, the City has completed annual fuel management projects on municipal land. The RDCK has supported collaborating agencies to conduct large-scale risk reduction projects in the forests and parks surrounding Nelson.
Throughout the RDCK, the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program also continues to expand, supporting local volunteers in organizing wildfire preparedness at the neighbourhood level. These types of efforts are recommended in technical planning documents, such as the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans, that provide guidance and direction for the range of initiatives in the region.
“This event is a great way for people to meet those folks who are doing the work on a day to day basis, from planning to response,” said Rob Leland, one of the event’s organizers and Nelson’s Wildfire Resilience Program Coordinator. “It’s about building relationships, answering questions, and empowering residents to take simple steps that make a big difference.”
Everyone is welcome, from local homeowners to new residents and visitors. The casual event is designed to be accessible, informative, and enjoyable for all ages.
For more information, contact:
Rob Leland
Wildfire Resilience Program Coordinator – City of Nelson
Hey everyone, just wanted to reach out with info from Prepared BC about how you can find your local cooling centre – check it out. Keep cool and stay safe!
Hey everyone, looks like the power’s back on in the Okanagan! Another good reminder to keep those emergency preparedness kits stocked with flashlights, batteries, and candles.
We've restored power to the majority of customers in #KelownaBC and expect to restore power to the remaining customers around 11:30 p.m.
Hey everyone, with the weather alerts notifying us all of heavy rainfall, and the notices of flooding risks in the Province, we wanted to highlight the importance of staying connected to local emergency resources.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre has been activated in response to localized flooding. Find out more here.
Get connected to your local emergency operations and keep up to date on emergency information! Stay safe and stay prepared.
Hey everyone, we’ve been posting emergency planning information and resources for Emergency Preparedness Week, and we want to take time to talk stress.
Emergencies can be stressful to think about. Planning for emergencies might seem like a big chore, or it might seem like it’s an impossible job to be ready for anything, or it might make you feel scared or sad.
It’s important to know that having a plan is one of the best emergency response strategies you can have: it will help you stay calm if you’re ever faced with a real emergency. So, while emergency planning might seem like a challenge, it’s definitely worthwhile!
