The City is asking all residents to stay clear and provide space to fire trucks and crews who are currently present throughout the City in a proactive effort to stage and ready their response, should the Christie Mountain wildfire cross into City limits in the South East section of Penticton.
“It’s absolutely critical that residents and motorists do not obstruct fire trucks and crews, many of which are now visible throughout the southern portion of our community,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki.
In addition to the presence of trucks and crews, residents with properties in the evacuation area may also encounter fire personal in close proximately to their homes. These personnel have been deployed into these neighbours as a preplanning measure. Residents are asked to cooperate with any requests these personal may have and/or answer questions they ask.
In some cases, local sports fields may be used as staging areas for equipment. Residents may also encounter fire crews and personal from other communities who have joined the Penticton Fire Department to help protect the City.
“Today is not the time for looky-loos to be out in the community watching response crews or stopping their cars to look at the fire. Please be very purposeful when you’re out and about," said Vassilaki.