Fire activity spikes in Kelowna as homeless try to stay warm

'In the last six days, we've responded to 22 outdoor fires. This doesn't include fires that are being put out by bylaw officers, security or the public.'

As temperatures plummet, people who continue sheltering outside in Kelowna are struggling to keep warm.

“I had no idea what the temperature was, but it was definitely below freezing,” said one resident at the city’s homeless camp. “Probably 10 below at least.”

That resident, affectionately known as Mama Kjaer, has been living in a tent along the Okanagan Rail Trail for six months now.

Kjaer said nighttime conditions are so cold that she hears people moaning and groaning throughout the night.

“Grown men crying ‘I’m so cold.’ It’s sad, it’s really sad,” she told Global News.

According to Global Okanagan meteorologist Peter Quinlan, the overnight temperature was -9 C. However, with the wind chill, it felt like -18.

The frigid conditions have prompted many to find ways to keep warm, including lighting fires.

“We’re noticing an increase in fires in public places like parks, streets, roadways, even business parking lots,” said Paul Johnson, a fire prevention officer with the Kelowna Fire Department.