Wildfire Prevention

UBC Okanagan is a fire-smart campus.

The campus follows the recommendations set out in UBC’s Wildland Fire Management Plan and the UBC Okanagan Design Guidelines for improving fire safety on campus, such as planting native species, maintaining sprinkler systems and avoiding thick trees and flammable mulch near buildings.

Report concerns regarding fire risk to Campus Security or 911.

Wildfire Response

UBC’s Disaster Response Plan (Section 8) outlines how UBC Okanagan would receive support from the regional district if evacuated due to fire.  This includes transportation, housing & shelter, provision of food, family reunification, UBC Okanagan’s Emergency Management BC task number, and activation flowcharts.

Communication

For situations of imminent threat or need for campus evacuation, UBC Alert would be used to provide information and direction.

Causes of fires may include mulch fires, bonfires, lightning, ember showers and mischief.  For small fires, UBCO has a fire suppression Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) with a water bladder that can be deployed.

Community Support

Adaptable plans are in place to accommodate emergency services, fire fighting vehicles and equipment, as well as evacuees as needed.  Response activities, temporary lodging and other supports are coordinated though the Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC).

Requests for UBC Okanagan support, including equipment staging and group and guest accommodations, are centralized through the REOC (located at Kelowna Fire Department’s Fire Hall #1).  The Fire Chief is the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and the direct liaison with the Director, Campus Operations and Risk Management regarding emergency training and support.