Smoking banned at Sun Peaks – SPR working to prevent fires at home

A cigarette dropped from a chairlift could be all it takes to start a wildfire at Sun Peaks. That chance is why smoking was banned on the mountain and golf course, including anyone on the lift in mid-July.

While the area has not been as impacted by wildfires as others, Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) is working to prevent fires in the community in a variety of ways. 

“We’re not quite in an extreme hazard up here like you might think,” said Erik Meertens, director of mountain operations, although the wildfire risk rating was currently raised to “extreme.”

While the risk is not considered as extreme as Kamloops, SPR banned smoking and placed many additional signs communicating the change.

Large buckets of water have been placed underneath remote lift towers so water is on scene should a dropped cigarette or other ignitor spark flames.

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All mowing and brush cutting on the mountain has also been halted until cool and wet weather returns.

SPR employees are being briefed in daily or weekly meetings about risk and being encouraged to engage with guests. They are instructed to remind visitors of the fire risk and to use caution in the area.

Meertens said SPR has increased the frequency of fire response drills that include a variety of departments responding to fire scenarios in different places on the mountain.

While fires have been avoided so far, smoke has continued to impact air quality around the area.

“We have encouraged them to take breaks as needed and get indoors when they can,” Meertens said of staff like lift operators and patrollers who work outside.

He added staff have been encouraged to avoid strenuous activities outside.

Meertens said he expected the risk to lower soon with rain showers in the forecast and as the days get shorter.

SPR won’t restrict recreational access to the mountain like in Kamloops or Wells Gray Park, he said.

“We’re starting to see dew in the mornings… the grass is still mostly green… If we can get through this next week or so we can get some moisture and cooling.”