After multiple wildfires sparked across B.C.’s Interior last weekend, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is hosting a town hall on emergency preparedness.
The RDOS, in conjunction with Protective Services, is bringing seven panellists together on Monday, April 29, for the online event. It be can viewed on the regional district’s YouTube channel from noon to 1 p.m.
The town hall comes after a 4.37-hectare wildfire sparked on April 20, in the Dutton Creek area, east of Highway 97 in between Oliver and Okanagan Falls. BC Wildfire Service has since said the blaze is being held.
A wildfire was also reported last weekend in the Cooney Bay area, northwest of Kamloops.
READ MORE: B.C. interior wildfires being held
RDOS officials say its town hall will provide residents with information on how to prepare for such events and how BC Wildfire Services uses drones and watercraft during emergencies.
Information about the region’s Emergency Operations Centre and local Emergency Support Services will also be shared, they added.
The town hall will feature the following panellists:
• Nicole Bonnett, BC Wildfire Service
• Brittany Seibert, manager of emergency services at RDOS
• Dawn Russell, emergency management coordinator at Okanagan Nation Alliance
• Shane Houlihan, emergency program coordinator at RDOS
• Mark Pendergraft, chair of RDOS
• Jim Zaffino, chief administrative officer of RDOS
• Erick Thompson, manager of communications and engagement at RDOS
Questions can be sent ahead of time at communications@rdos.bc.ca.