As we speak, hundreds of acres of land are burning uncontrollably as wildfires rage throughout B.C., with thousands of firefighters from all across Canada fighting day and night to keep flames from devouring everything in their path.
The dry and hot weather has left its mark here on Vancouver Island as well, with temperatures high enough to pose a risk to all 13 municipalities across Greater Victoria, Oak Bay included.
“The recent dry summer weather has increased the risk in our local parks and public spaces with regard to fire risk,” wrote the Oak Bay Fire Department in a recent press release, adding that without any significant precipitation in the forecast, it is expected that the grass and foliage in local urban forests and parks will continue to dry.
Some municipalities, including Victoria, have sent firefighters to aid the wildfire effort in the Interior, but Oak Bay Fire Chief Dave Cockle said due to the existing “significant” fire risk on South Island already, it’s best to stick around.
“With the single crews that we have here and our manpower, we’re just not in a position that we can provide that level of service to the province,” he said. “We’re going to stay here and support the area locally.”
The fire rating from the Coastal Fire Centre for Oak Bay is now at a high hazard rating, and the Oak Bay Fire Department posted warning signs in parks and public spaces to educate the public when using the parks and public spaces on the current fire danger.
“We encourage residents and visitors to be cautious with smoking materials and dispose of them in an appropriate manner when in the outdoors.”
While this may not be Sooke, or Port Hardy, or Nanaimo, Oak Bay is no less protected from wildfires, Cockle added, noting that numerous park land in close proximity to populated urban areas remains a concern.
For the time being, Cockle urged Oak Bay residents to be vigilant, whether in Oak Bay or abroad, as forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious.
“New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts.”
To report smoke or fires contact the Oak Bay Fire Department emergency line at 911.
If not an emergency, please call the fire department at 250-592-9121.
octavian.lacatusu@oakbaynews.com
