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Risk of both flooding and fires

Visitors are encouraged to check wake maps and be fire safe
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Okanagan Lake on June 16/17. Photo credit Sandy Baldwin

Heading into the Canada Day long weekend, there’s an interesting contrast for both residents and visitors in our region.

While Okanagan Lake remains well above full pool, the forests of our region are now a mix of high and extreme on the fire danger rating scale which means there is a potential threat of fires this weekend.

The level of Okanagan Lake has dropped an additional 1.5 centimetres from yesterday and is now at 343.037 metres above sea level; however, the lake still sits at just over 55 centimetres above full pool.

Kalamalka Lake is down 1.1 centimetres from yesterday and is now at 392.232 metres.

Residents and visitors looking to enjoy lakes in the area are encouraged to check out the Boating Wake maps at www.cordemergency.ca/map and follow the guidelines for respectful boating.

Only once lake levels reach more reasonable levels regular boating activities can resume.

Heading into the long weekend, as it is safe, crews will still be removing flood protection measures from various public spaces, like parks and road ends.

Yesterday, some flood defences were removed at locations in West Kelowna and Peachland.

In Kelowna, some barriers were removed in City Park and Tugboat Bay in order to reopen some public beach areas.

Property owners along the lakefront should continue to monitor their flood protection measures.

It’s important to note that in contrast to the continued high water levels of Central Okanagan lakes, our region has a high fire danger rating.

Residents should be extremely careful with any fire materials and remember that smoking and campfires are not allowed in any regional or municipal park.

Fireworks are only allowed with a permit from local fire departments.

Campfires are not allowed at any time within the City of Kelowna.

For municipal information such as boat launch, park and beach closures and water quality advisories, visit their websites:

For beach water quality updates, visit Interior Health’s Water Samples page on www.interiorhealth.ca.

To stay informed about flooding and the recovery efforts, visit www.cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates or call the information line at 250-469-8490.

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