Heat and Wildfire Preparedness

News Article
Published: June 11, 2025

INFORMATION RELEASE

Heat and Wildfire Preparedness

As the region experiences its first warmer-than-usual weather, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) would like to remind residents to prepare for extreme heat events and wildfires.

Heat Warning and Extreme Heat Emergency
A Heat Warning is issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) when the daytime temperature reaches 35°C or higher for two (2) consecutive days or longer, while the nighttime temperature exceeds 18°C or higher.

An Extreme Heat Emergency is issued in consultation with the Ministry of Health once there is high certainty that temperatures will increase substantially day over day for three (3) or more consecutive days.

What can you do?

  • Sign up for Voyent Alert! to receive emergency notifications
  • Monitor local weather forecasts and alerts
  • Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
  • Be mindful of the elevated risks to seniors, children, and those with chronic illnesses
  • Stay cool: drink plenty of liquids, stay in shaded areas or places with air conditioning, take cool showers or baths

Wildfire preparedness and prevention
Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice and have a grab-and-go bag prepared and easily accessible. As a family or household, you may also want to make plans and have emergency contact information in case your area is being evacuated.

  • Report a wildfire immediately at 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cellular phone
  • Respect current fire prohibitions and restrictions
  • To get the most up-to-date information on current wildfire situations and restrictions, please visit the BC Wildfire Service website or download the mobile app.
  • To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit preparedbc.ca
  • To learn more about the BC Provincial Heat Alert and Response System, please visit the Interior Health Extreme Heat web page

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Voyent Alert! Notifications

Click here to register for routine and emergency notifications via email, text, or telephone.
You can find a link to Voyent Alert! on the RDOS website at rdos.bc.ca.

For the latest updates on Evacuation ALERTS and ORDERS, please visit emergency.rdos.bc.ca.

For further information, please call the EOC at 250-490-4225. In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Issued by EOC Director

 

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

 

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