Photo: Contributed
The Penticton Indian Band issued a statement Friday that the chief, council and emergency operations center have decided to immediately impose a ban on off-road activities.
Specifically, prohibited activities include:
- Riding ATVs in the countryside/off main roads
- Quading in the background / off main roads
- Riding a motorcycle in the countryside/off main roads
- Driving in the countryside/off main roads
The FIB said the types of temperatures next week, which are expected to reach between 38C and 40C, are rapidly drying out vegetation and greatly increasing the danger of fires caused by:
- Tire rims hit rocks and sparks
- Hot exhaust gases touch dry vegetation
- Smoking substances are thrown from vehicles or extinguished carelessly
This ban will take effect on Sunday, July 24, 2022, and will be reviewed on August 8, 2022.
“We must work together to protect our community from the threat of fire. We are stronger together,” the FIB said.
As of July 10, a ban on lighting open fires, flames or campfires on the territory of the PIB has been introduced.
Specifically, prohibited activities include:
- The burning of any waste, sawdust or other materials (piled up or scattered)
- The lighting of any fires (unless it is a ceremonial fire)
- Grass fires or stubble burning of any size over any area
- The use of fireworks, sky lanterns or burning barrels of any size or description
- Campfires of any size – propane fires are allowed as long as they are small
The Chief and Council of the Penticton Indian Band and the PIB EOC authorize the fire department to attend any reported fire at any property and extinguish any open flames for the safety of the community.
Our cultural practice of ceremonial fires in the event of a community passing and preservation of food/meat will continue to be honored and respected, but extreme weather conditions at the time may be taken into account.
Residents are asked to contact Penticton Indian District Emergency Management Chief Tabitha Enais or Penticton Indian District Fire Chief Barry Phillip to discuss smart fire practices to ensure continued
Community wildfire safety.
To report any fires, hazards, smoke or suspicious activity, please call 911.
The fire ban will be reviewed by the Penticton Indian Band Chief and Council in September 2022.
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