Agriculture Wildfire Preparedness Forum
Visit this RDOS page to find out more and to sign up!
Interested in other upcoming events? Click here to view the 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
In the event of a wildfire emergency, please contact the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre.
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
- December 21, 2022
Regional FireSmart representatives gather in Penticton to prepare for year ahead
- October 6, 2022
RDOS FireSmart committees grow to 19
- August 15, 2022
RDOS FireSmart team offers tips for what to pack in your grab-and-go bag
- July 27, 2022
Be FireSmart aware and on the alert for backcountry fires
- July 25, 2022
RDOS FireSmart team urges residents to prepare for emergencies, evacuation orders
- July 25, 2022
RDOS FireSmart team issues safety reminder as temperatures climb
- June 23, 2022
Grants of $500 available to help RDOS homeowners FireSmart their properties

Events
- April 13, 2023
Agriculture Wildfire Preparedness Forum
- April 22, 2023
West Bench FireSmart Event + Chipping (Earth Day)
- April 23, 2023
*New Date* Hedley/USIB FireSmart Seminar
- May 6, 2023
Twin Lakes FireSmart Event + Chipping
- May 13, 2023
Kaleden FireSmart Event + Chipping
- May 13, 2023
Heritage Hills Chipping Event
- June 3, 2023
Olalla FireSmart Event
- October 14, 2023
West Bench FireSmart Event + Chipping