A large part of the Central Okanagan is under an extreme fire danger rating, as prolonged dry conditions and wind continue to elevate wildfire risk across the region. Forest fuels are extremely dry, allowing fires to ignite easily, spread rapidly, and become difficult to control. West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund says the current conditions are unusually persistent for this time of year and should be taken seriously. “This should be a very strong reminder to people that wildfire is a reality now,” Brolund said. He stressed that while conditions are concerning, officials are not expecting a large-scale disaster at this stage. “We’re not going to see a catastrophic wildfire that causes community to be evacuated,” he said, “But it is a reminder that wildfire is a very real risk, and we could see a fire that spreads quickly.”