Kelowna fire danger rating ‘extreme’

After days of sweltering heat hovering above the 30 degree mark, the City of Kelowna has upped its forest fire danger rating to extreme.

According to the city, the extreme rating means: Extremely dry forest fuels and the fire risk is very serious. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly and challenge fire suppression efforts. General forest activities may be restricted, including open burning, industrial activities and campfires.

Open burning and fireworks are already banned within Kelowna and the city is reminding residents to extinguish any smoking material carefully.

The danger rating is expected to stay at extreme for at least the next few days.