The City of Kelowna Urban Forestry staff and contractors are hard at conducting wildfire fuel mitigation work at Knox and Dilworth Mountain Parks.
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵœReducing and removing forest fuel that could create greater risk of wildfires is just one way that the City is working with all levels of government to address the threat of wildfire across our region," said Dennis Craig, assistant fire chief for the Kelowna Fire Department in a
, includes the removal of branches, conifer needles and dead trees. Removing flammable materials from forests is done with the intention of slowing the spread of a potential future fire.
Material will either be removed from the parks or burned, when weather conditions permit.
Areas of Knox Mountain and Dilworth Mountain will be closed to the public while the work is underway.
91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵœFor public safety, we ask that park visitors and trail users watch for signage identifying work areas and to stay out of active work zones. Whenever possible, avoid any area where you can hear chainsaws actively at work," said Thomas Martin, urban forestry technician for the City of Kelowna.
Work at Knox Mountain Park is ongoing and will continue into the spring. The work will primarily occur to the west of Magic Estates with localized trail closures occurring between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
Fuel mitigation work on Dilworth Mountain is scheduled to resume in March. This work will take place on the north slopes of Dilworth Mountain Park, north of Selkirk Drive. Trail closures in this area may occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
To learn more about what you can do to reduce the risk of wildfire in your home or within your community, visit FireSmartTM Kelowna. Any questions about these ongoing projects may be directed to Kelowna Parks Services at (250) 717-2757.