A group of West Kelowna, B.C., residents is raising funds to install electronic fire danger rating signs in the city, turning last year’s experience with the McDougall Creek wildfire into a public safety initiative.

As reported by Vernon Matters, John Martin, Heather Larratt, and Olivia Lawson launched the campaign, with support from West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund. The grassroots effort aims to raise money for two Electronic Fire Danger Rating (EFDR) LED signs they plan to place in high-traffic areas.

“These signs would give real-time fire risk information to residents and visitors,” the organizers wrote on their GoFundMe page. “We want to be better informed and educated—minute by minute—about wildfire risk levels in our area and along the back-country interface.”

The EFDR signs, originally developed in New Zealand and used internationally, display live updates on fire risk levels and safety messaging. According to the news report, the intent is to encourage more responsible decision-making during wildfire season.

The group acknowledges that signage alone won’t prevent risky behaviour. “Now obviously, these signs aren’t going to stop individuals from riding dirt bikes into the back-country during an ‘Extreme Warning’ level without a spark arrestor, or starting a fire in the bush to roast hot dogs,” they wrote on their page. “But that’s not the point.”

Fire prevention

Instead, the project focuses on changing attitudes toward fire prevention. “We need to think differently about our forests, our watershed, and our community’s safety,” the group stated.

The McDougall Creek wildfire in 2023 destroyed homes, burned thousands of hectares, and, according to organizers, left a lasting impact on the land, water, and community. “Our watershed is vulnerable. Our trails are still recovering,” the campaign notes. “Honestly, look out your back or front door, we have to protect what’s left.”

As Vernon Matters reported, the West Kelowna Fire Department will work with the organizers to select sign locations. The fundraising campaign remains active as the 2025 wildfire season progresses.

Original story: West Kelowna group launches wildfire safety sign campaign