Upcoming RDOS FireSmart Events
Visit the RDOS FireSmart Events Calendar
RDOS FireSmart Overview
Wildfires have been a regular and natural disturbance agent in the South Okanagan Similkameen for millennia. In recent years, the RDOS has felt the effects of several wildfires, ranging from small fast-moving fires that are contained relatively quickly, to prolonged periods of large fires burning in the surrounding area.
The RDOS has had its share of wildfires in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), any area where combustible wildland fuels (vegetation) are found adjacent to homes, farm structures, other outbuildings, or infrastructure, prompting both evacuation orders and alerts.
Since 2004, as a result of the wildfires in 2003, the RDOS has made efforts to raise WUI fire safety awareness and advocate for mitigation. This included the creation of a Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which led to various fuel management treatments and FireSmart projects within the region.
The RDOS also maintains a region-wide emergency plan as required under the Provincial Emergency Program Act (EPA). This plan has been used many times over the years in times of wildfire, flooding and other major incidents.
Wildfire Emergency
If you require information, please visit the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre website at emergency.rdos.bc.ca or call 250-490-4225. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Report a Wildfire
To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire in British Columbia, please call 1-800-663-5555 (toll-free) or *5555 (from a cell phone) as soon as possible.
News
- March 14, 2025
FireSmart Information and Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, March 22, 2025
- October 20, 2023
Apply for the FireSmart Rebate Program
- September 22, 2023
Tour of FireSmart Certified Home in the RDOS!
- May 17, 2023
Category 2 and category 3 fire prohibitions to start in Kamloops Fire Centre
- April 4, 2023
Agriculture Wildfire Preparedness Forum in Princeton - April 13th, 2023
- December 21, 2022
Regional FireSmart representatives gather in Penticton to prepare for year ahead
- October 6, 2022
RDOS FireSmart committees grow to 19

Events
No upcoming events.