Precipitation and cooler temperatures in Northern B.C. have caused a drop in fire danger ratings across the region. However, the province still urges caution.
“To say that the worst is over is premature,” said Chief Fire Information Officer Kevin Skrepnek from the B.C. Wildfire Service. “There is still a lot of summer ahead of us.”
As of July 27, there were 166 active wildfires throughout the province – 121 of these fires were lightning-caused, and 45 were human-caused or were under investigation.
As of July 27, the fire danger rating for the Burns Lake area was “moderate,” which means forest fuels are drying and there is an increased risk of surface fires starting. Forest activities should be carried with caution.
The forecast this week is for continued cooler weather with a mix of sun and could. Therefore, the fire danger rating is likely to continue “low” to “moderate” in the Lakes District.
As of July 27, there was only one active wildfire within the Nadina Fire Zone.
The Whitesail Lake fire, first reported on July 6, is still not contained. Since it was first reported, the wildfire has burned over 437 hectares within Tweedsmuir North Provincial Park, in the Quanchus Mountains area.
Rob Krause, Fire Protection Officer for the Northwest Fire Centre, explained that this fire was classified as a “modifying response fire,” which means the fire is considered beneficial and is not fully suppressed. According to the Northwest Fire Centre, not all fires are bad.
“Wildfire plays an important, natural and beneficial role in most ecosystems across British Columbia. In some instances, parts of a fire will be monitored and allowed to burn naturally to allow the benefits of fire to be achieved.”
Effective July 22, 2015, campfires were once again allowed throughout the Northwest Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.
The following activities are now allowed:
– Campfires (no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide);
– Outdoor stoves and other portable campfire apparatuses;
– Tiki torches, burn barrels and chimineas.
However, category two open burning, category three open burning, fireworks and firecrackers will remain prohibited throughout the Northwest Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.
Category two open burning includes one to two concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide, as well as stubble or grass burning over an area less than 0.2 hectares. Category three open burning includes any fire larger than two metres high by three metres wide, as well as three or more concurrently burning piles no larger than two metres high by three metres wide.
The category two and category three open burning prohibitions will remain in place until Sept. 30, 2015, or until the public is otherwise notified.
Olivia Pojar, Fire Information Officer for the Northwest Fire Centre, said members of the public who are having campfires should always ensure that hand tools or enough water (eight litres) are on hand to suppress the fire, should it escape from a campfire ring. All campfires should be surrounded by a fuel-free zone and a metal campfire ring or a ring of rocks. In addition, campfires should never be left unattended, even for a short period of time.
