As the B.C. long weekend appears on the horizon it’s more than worthwhile to review ways to stay safe while enjoying all this province has to offer.
July may go down in the record books as one of the driest in recent history, so obviously all of us need to be aware of the high to extreme fire rating in the North Okanagan, and the just-announced campfire ban.
Enjoy yourself in the great outdoors but be cautious when camping and observe all regulations in place to keep us, and our forests, safe.
Lightning is also in the forecast so residents can be the eyes and ears for any reporting of potential blazes that can be accessed by fire crews.
“We rely on people reporting,” said Melissa Welch, Kamloops Fire Centre fire information officer. The BC Wildfire reporting number is 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.
And then there’s safety on the waterways. Authorities say boaters are getting the message about infractions and most are abiding by the rules of the lakes that are there for everyone’s safety.
Have fun but be responsible and common sense should always prevail.
Which brings us to the highways of the North Okanagan. Slow down and live is good advice for a weekend where some might be in a hurry to get somewhere.
And, of course, there’s zero tolerance for drinking and driving and police enforcement will likely be out to make sure we all abide by that rule.
It’s unofficially halfway through summer and it’s time to celebrate all this province and region has to offer, just do it safely and use common sense to ensure as many memories as possible are of the happy variety.
—The Morning Star
