Wilson's Landing Firefighters Association

Effective at 12 noon PDT on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, the Category 1 campfire prohibition will be rescinded in the Kamloops Fire Centre. The current prohibition of any Category 2 and Category 3 open fire remains in effect.

Although fire danger ratings have dropped due to recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, the public is reminded to still exercise caution. Anyone lighting a campfire in an area where campfires are allowed must maintain a fireguard by removing flammable debris from around the campfire area, always attend the fire, and must have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available nearby to properly extinguish the campfire. Before lighting a campfire, the public is urged to check with their local regional district or municipality for local open burning bylaws.

A campfire is defined as:
• Any fire no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide (a fire larger than this is considered a Category 2 open fire).
• Used by any person for recreational purposes or by a First Nation for a ceremonial purpose.

Read more information here: https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/campfire-prohibitions-to-rescind-in-kamloops-fire-centre-2/

Chief Zydowicz speaks with Global Okanagan on the anniversary of the

We are thinking of all firefighters and residents impacted by the fires and still dealing with the losses and devastation.

One year since McDougall Creek wildfire | Watch News Videos Online Watch One year since McDougall Creek wildfire Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

Very sad to hear of the tragic loss of a wildland firefighter in Jasper. Our hearts go out to family, friends and colleagues of this brave soul and to everyone impacted by wildfires this year.

Last week we said fairwell to two long serving members of the department.
Terry Grover and Ethan Fruson have been with us for many years and will be missed.

Thank you for your commitment, professionalism, hard work and selfless service to the community. We wish you success and happiness in your new locales.

Thanks to Michael Hintringer Photography for capturing these phenomenal images of the team training on propane and BBQ fires recently. He also got some great shots of Station 42!

Wilson’s Landing firefighters practice every Tuesday night to keep their skills sharp and are always ready to protect and serve the residents and communities from Traders Cove to Shelter Cove.

Hintringer Michael Photography

B.C.’s community forests play an essential role in wildfire risk reduction. If you’d like to understand how the BC Community Forest Association - BCCFA has been working with its members to build wildfire resiliency, visit the link below to read Enhancing Wildfire Resilience: Summary Report of the BCCFA’s Wildfire Risk Reduction Economic Recovery Initiative.

https://blog.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/b-c-s-economic-recovery-initiative-funds-45-fuel-mitigation-projects-in-community-forests/

Tomorrow a beautiful selection of quilts and other creations go on display at the RCA thanks to the Orchard Valley Quilters Guild. After the exhibition ends, 40 of these will be donated to families that lost homes in the wildfire last year. 13 of our firefighters will receive a quilt.

Thank you to the Quilters Guild for this wonderful gesture! Most quilts took over 100 hours to complete and all the while with our firefighters and others in mind to receive them.

Please visit the display to see these beautiful, heartfelt creations.

CBC Radio’s Joesph Otoo interviewed Lietenant Frank McKenzie from WLFD and Linda Hall of OVQG which will be aired in the next few days on CBC Vancouver and CBC Radio West.

Thank you for the generous donation Kal Tire! Your community spirit shines bright!!

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre is extending the Community Readiness public engagement period due to high interest in emergency preparedness. Don’t miss your chance to contribute before May 31! 🗓️

Head to https://yoursay.rdco.com/community-readiness, fill out a questionnaire on your emergency preparedness, and get a chance to win a $170 emergency kit! Share your ideas and stories of neighbours helping neighbours.

Thanks to Indy Brar and the Kelowna Toyota team for your generous donation!

We're excited to spend time in your community next week for Community Connection events, where our firefighters will be firing up the grills. Delicious snacks are by donation and funds go directly to local fire departments. 👩‍🚒🍔🥤

Be sure to mark your calendar:
📅 Ellison Heritage Community Centre - Monday, May 6, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
📅 Killiney Beach Community Hall - Tuesday, May 7, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
📅 Joe Rich Community Hall - Wednesday, May 8, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.

More info at: yoursay.rdco.com/community-connection

Ellison Fire Department, Joe Rich Fire, North Westside Fire Rescue, Wilson's Landing Firefighters Association

Thanks to the organizers, volunteers and community members for the gratitude event in West Kelowna this morning. Chief Zydowicz and a few of our firefighters represented Station 42 in the “Walk of Heroes” along with North Westside Fire Rescue .

The event was as well organized, well attended and paid tribute to first responders, emergency services and all agencies who worked tirelessly during the Macdougall Creek Wildfire to save homes and support the needs of evacuees and first responders.

the ceremony was followed by a much needed downpour but this did not dampen the incredible community spirit of this event.

Thank you to all involved including our incredible first responders!

Thank you Big White Ski Resort for the recent donation to Wilson’s Landing Firefighters Association and for all you do to support your local community!

Thanks so much to the following fire departments for recent donations we received in support of our firefighters:

Comox FD
Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department
Oliver Fire Department

Also thanks to Buy-Low Foods (Oliver and Keremeos) and local residents for supporting fundraisers in these communities.

Community spirit in action!

Today, our team took part in a very special ceremony and cheque presentation with the Kelowna Kasugai Sister City Association and Westside Salvation Army Renew Church Ministries.

The presentation opened with the Canadian and Japanese anthems performed by a Kasugai musician, speeches from all delegates and recipients and a demonstration to students by WLFD captain, Brad Dahl. The students and families who raised over $15,000 were thrilled to share their fundraising efforts and excited to meet us and see the trucks, equipment and hall.

Ken Fix of the Kelowna Kasugai Sister City Association along with delegates and students from Kasugai presented a cheque to Jennifer and Rob Henson, Salvation Army Captains and Ed McLean, Deputy Chief of WLFD Station 42 ( WLFA President of the Board). They selected the two organizations after careful consideration of those organizations most impacted by the MacDougall Creek Wildfire.

Salvation Army received $13,500 and the WLFA $2000 respectively.

Thanks to Kelowna Toyota and Kal Tire who matched the WLFA donation with $2000 each!

The Salvation Army is raising matching funds at: http://salvationarmy.ca/sistercitysupport . The fund has already surpassed $5070.

We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to come out to the Station 42 fire hall today for the thoughtful presentation and very generous donation!

Listen to Daybreak South - CBC Kelowna next week for the complete interview and story!

Showing the ❤️ for our firefighters…Weekly fire practice was extra sweet thanks to Sara Fletcher and Donna E Denison! Thanks for the special treats every week!!

Love this!

With more snow in the forecast we're sharing some snow shoveling tips!

🚒 Clear out snow from around fire hydrants in and around your property. This can save precious time in an emergency.
💧 Shovel snow into your yard. This prevents build up on roads and walkways and when it melts it will benefit your yard and local groundwater supply.
💪 Clear an area by the road next to your driveway. This creates a space for a snow plow blade to empty before your driveway and prevents having to do a second shovel.

Thanks from Okanagan WaterWise, AIMRoads and local fire departments (Ellison Fire Department, Joe Rich Fire, North Westside Fire Rescue, Wilson's Landing Firefighters Association)

The Wilson's Landing Fire Department has a few spots left for new recruits interested in being paid-on-call firefighters. 👨‍🚒🚒

Prospective members must live within 8 km of the station (2396 Westside Road), be between 19 and 65 years old, and in good physical condition.

Learn more at rdco.com/firerecruit

This just in…pick up a copy of The Daily Courier to read this story.

Well deserved recognition for Station 42 Chief, Paul Zydowicz for his courage under fire and for representing the Wilson’s landing Fire department with incredible leadership, grit and integrity gaining the attention of media from coast to coast.

He humbly accepts this responsibility knowing that recognition benefits the firefighters and our community in numerous ways.

Special thanks to Melinda from Yellow Dog Brewing for the generous gift cards and refreshing beverages for the firefighters…just in time for their annual holiday celebration!

Above and beyond!!

Happy holidays from Wilson’s Landing - Station 42! Celebrating the season with help from a few of Santa’s elves last night.

Thanks to Regional District of Central Okanagan CAO, Sally Ginter for joining us.

Enjoy a safe holiday season so this team can have a much needed holiday break reconnecting with family and friends. Merry Christmas to all!!

Hats off to the residents in Shelter Cove for their exemplary efforts in making their properties FireSmart by reducing fuel sources in the area! FireSmart Canada recently recognized them as part of the Neighbourhood Recognition Program. 👏

It's never too early or late to start thinking about firesmarting your property before the next wildfire season. Learn more at: https://www.rdco.com/en/news/shelter-cove-receives-firesmart-canada-neighbourhood-recognition-and-you-can-too.aspx

FireSmart BC Wilson's Landing Firefighters Association