The City of Penticton is requesting that recreational boat users who may be out on Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake be mindful of air tankers collecting water.

BC Wildfire Service is working hard responding to nearby fires, and are using the lakes to support their operations.

When aircraft are approaching lake surfaces for this purpose, it is requested that boat traffic visually monitor overhead flight paths and avoid any areas where air tankers can be seen making passes over water to replenish their loads.

“We thanks boaters for their cooperation and diligence to monitor their surroundings while firefighting aircraft carry out their operations,” said Deputy Fire Chief Chris Forster of Penticton Fire Rescue.

There are currently no wildfires within the boundaries of Penticton. Residents are advised to exercise extra caution when undertaking activities that could trigger a fire.

There are evacuation orders and alerts in place for the Mount Eneas wildfire, which is now estimated at 600 hectares in size. The Mount Conkle wildfire southwest of Summerland is estimated at 80 hectares.