By Pete McIntyre

‘Normal’ fire season could heat up in B.C.

Aug 1, 2019 | 11:29 AM

B.C. is heading into what is typically is the most active part of the province’s wildfire season.

And with temperatures rising and little rain in the forecast, residents and visitors are urged to do everything they can to prevent wildfires on the B.C. Day long weekend and in the weeks ahead.

While most people would say there has been far fewer fires this summer, the Wildfire Service said activity so far this year has been relatively normal.

“From April 1 until noon on July 31, 2019, the B.C. Wildfire Service responded to 579 wildfires throughout B.C., 58 per cent of which were human-caused,” a news release from the service said.

“We have two fires in the [Kamloops] Fire Centre. One of them is currently being held — the Richter Mountain Fire (west of Osoyoos). And the other one is just slightly east of Princeton (spot size),” Information Officer Nicole Bonnett said.

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There is some smoke haze in the Vernon area today, but Bonnett was not aware of where the smoke was coming from. She said there are no active fires in the North Okanagan.

“If somebody thinks they are seeing a fire in the North Okanagan, I would recommend they report it,” she said.

To report a fire, call 1-800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

There is a new fire south of Cranbrook in the Southeast Centre which is thought to be lightning-caused and 10 hectares in size.

“B.C. Wildfire Service crews have been doing a great job attacking this year’s fires quickly and decisively, but it’s important that we don’t get complacent about wildfire risks,” Doug Donaldson, minister of forests, lands, natural resource operations and rural development, said. “I encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors responsibly this weekend and ensure that their activities don’t trigger new fires.”

Campfires are currently allowed in all areas of the province that fall under the B.C. Wildfire Service’s jurisdiction. Nonetheless, people are urged to practice responsible fire use by assessing their environment and keeping an ample supply of water nearby to fully extinguish any recreational fire they light.

Information about current open burning prohibitions is available on the B.C. Wildfire Service website.

Anyone riding an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike on Crown land must have a spark arrestor installed on the vehicle.

Check the condition of the muffler, regularly clear buildups of grass or other vegetation from hot spots, stay on dirt paths and avoid tall grass and weeds to help reduce wildfire risks.

by Pete McIntyre

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