Province urges vigilance with fires over long weekend

Oct 8, 2022 | 10:00 AM

British Columbians are being reminded to be fire safe over the Thanksgiving long weekend.

The province said a majority of B.C. is still experiencing above-normal drought conditions, and the B.C. Wildfire Service is urging people to be vigilant to prevent human-caused fires.

The service, through the province, says many areas of B.C. have set temperature records in recent weeks, including Vernon and the North Okanagan, and accumulated rainfall amounts through September were below normal levels, increasing the risk of a fire sparking and spreading.

The weather forecast predicts a dry cold front sweeping across the province Monday. Though it will bring cooler temperatures, the system is not expected to bring much precipitation and will have strong, gusting winds.

Wildfire Services crews and support personnel will be on standby across the province over the long weekend, and will be ready to respond to a fire breaking out.

Underground Utility Work

Ricardo Road in Coldstream temporarily closing for infrastructure work

23h ago

Smoke Stress

People urged to look after their mental health in smoky conditions

Jul 31, 2026

Wildfire Smoke

Air quality warnings issued due to smoke in the Okanagan

Jul 31, 2026

However, people can take steps to avoid a fire spreading:

Keep campfires smaller than half a metre high or half a metre wide
Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions
Never leave a campfire unattended
Have a shovel and at least eight litres of water available to properly extinguish a campfire
Make sure ashes are cool to the touch before leaving the area
Be careful in the backcountry
Have spark arrestors installed on all-terrain vehicles being used in forested or rangeland
Check the condition of mufflers on all-terrain vehicles
Dispose cigarette butts or other smoking materials responsibly

The province notes that fireworks and open burning remain prohibited in much of the province, and advises people check with local governments and other authorities to see if any bylaws are in effect.

People found in violation of burning prohibitions may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of as much as $10,000, and, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to a year in jail.

If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the individual responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

Anyone who spots a wildfire can report it to the B.C. Wildfire Service by calling 1-800-663-5555 toll free, or by dialing *5555 on a cellphone.

by Liam Verster

View Comments