Blackwell outlines Kelowna fire risk

Several Kelowna neighbourhoods are at severe risk of wildfires if action on vegetation, landscaping and access is not taken. Wildfire expert Bruce Blackwell outlined to city council Monday 47 recommendations he believes the city should consider over time to mitigate the risk of interface fires in the city. “In older neighbourhoods, there is still a considerable amount of vegetation that puts the community at risk, and landscaping that isn’t appropriate in a fire-dominated community,” said Blackwell. “Location of new development is still occurring in high-threat areas, steep slopes surrounded or intermixed with forested land with limited access.” …Blackwell also pointed a finger at the city, saying existing wildfire bylaws need to be enforced while at the same time expanding the development permit process.