The ongoing wildfire risk is fuelling increased public awareness.
Vernon council voted Monday to install six or seven mobile signs along major routes letting motorists know about the potential for fire.
“We’re asking people to take care and not flick their butts,” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer.
A special meeting was held Monday after concerns came from residents about people stopping at lookouts along Eastside Road and disposing of cigarette butts.
“It’s scary on Eastside Road. It’s extreme out there,” said Coun. Brian Quiring.
Quiring called for no smoking on all civic property, but that didn’t garner any support, largely because of the challenges with enforcement.
There are about 50 pullouts along Eastside, Tronson and Bella Vista roads, as well as Turtle Mountain and the Foothills.
The mobile signs will cost about $7,000.
“The signage will draw people’s attention that we are in a fire hazard area,” said Coun. Catherine Lord.
While she supported signs, Coun. Dalvir Nahal wanted to go a further step by installing cigarette receptacles at some lookouts.
“If someone sees them, they are more likely to use them,” she said.
However, Nahal’s plan was shot down by a majority of her colleagues.
“They could attract people to use it (pullout) and they may use it for a trash can, which increases the fire hazard,” said Coun. Scott Anderson.
“You would also need someone to come by and empty it.”
Despite the lack of support, Nahal defended her call for ashtrays.
“This is our city and we want to keep it safe and clean, and if it costs a bit, so be it,” she said.
