SUMMERLAND REVIEW THE VOICE OF OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1908
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WHAT’S INSIDE:
Fire risk escalates NO.
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S U M M E R L A N D,
by John Arendt
Triathlon
Two Summerland athletes were among the participants in a recent triathlon in Osoyoos.
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Hot and dry conditions in the South Okanagan have increased the risk of wildfires this summer. So far, the Penticton Fire Zone, which includes Summerland, has had 12 wildfires since April 1, destroying a total of 67 hectares. The 10-year average for this time of year is 33 fires, destroying 179
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hectares. Kayla Pepper, fire information officer with the Kamloops Fire Centre, said the fire risk near Summerland is high near the lake and moderate elsewhere, although the risk is rising. “We are beginning to see conditions changing in the area,” she said. We have seen some recordbreaking temperatures in July, which caused
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the fuel danger rating to escalate.” Wind is also a factor in the risk of fires, she said. Normally, half the wildfires in the region are caused by human activity and half are caused by nature, such as lightning activity. This year, lightning activity has been low and all the fires so far have been caused by people. To reduce the risk of
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fires, campers are urged to build small campfires, no greater than half a metre wide and half a metre tall. They should also have at least eight litres of water nearby and the tools necessary to put out a fire. Fires can also spread quickly in windy conditions. All-terrain vehicle operators should take care when they are in
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nature since the heat from their vehicle exhausts can ignite dry grasses. Smokers should make sure their cigarettes are completely extinguished Those who see wildfires or non-compliant behaviour which could result in a wildfire should call 1-800-663-5555 or *555 on most cellular networks.
See related story Page 2
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Grant money
The municipality has received more than $200,000 as a result of a pair of recent grants.
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Class schedules
A pilot project will adjust classroom schedules for some Summerland students.
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In concert
Classical musicians will perform at a series of house concerts later this month.
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Ice time
As the owners of the Summerland Steam prepare for the upcoming season, they would like more practice time at the Summerland Arena.
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YOUR SMILE My pet snail was too slow to win races, so I took his shell off. It just made him even more sluggish.
Highway accident
John Arendt Summerland Review
Firefighters worked to clean up an accident on Highway 97 north of Summerland on Monday afternoon. A semi trailer with a load of lumber toppled while negotiating a corner along the highway.
Accident blocks highway by John Arendt
Traffic was backed up on Highway 97 north of Summerland on Monday afternoon following a two-vehicle accident. The accident occurred at 4:04 p.m. around five kilometres north of Summerland A 2011 Freightliner
tractor with a flatbed trailer and hauling lumber overturned when the driver failed to negotiate a right-hand curve. The tractor, trailer and spilled lumber skidded into the north lanes, forcing the driver of a 2010 Toyota Corolla over the embankment. The Toyota came to rest
on an access road below the highway. The driver of the truck was taken to Kelowna General Hospital with injuries which were not life-threatening. The 56-year-old driver of the Toyota and his 15-year-old daughter, from Alberta, were taken to Penticton Regional
Hospital where they were treated for minor cuts and bruises. Traffic was backed up for several kilometres in each direction during the clean-up and investigation into the accident. The highway was then opened to single-lane alternating traffic until
11:35 p.m. The investigation is continuing. Cst. Jordan Luscombe of the RCMP said speed is believed to have been a factor. The corner has been the site of other serious accidents in the past, Luscombe said.