Summer outlook comes with a wildfire warning
Posted May 24, 2017 8:02 am.
Last Updated May 24, 2017 9:22 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Your patience with the soggy spring may be rewarded with the Weather Network’s summer outlook calling for a warmer than normal few months ahead, but that comes with an early warning about the wildfire risk this summer.
The network’s seasonal forecast, released this week, calls for warmer than normal temperatures in BC this summer, though not excessively hot.
“After a wet spring, near normal precipitation during a time of year that is typically drier will allow the region to start to dry out. As a result, we will have to keep an eye on the wild fire threat as the season progresses,” states the forecast.
There are 16 wildfires burning in BC right now, two of which are notable.
One is east of Vernon, two kilometres outside Lumby, where several homes have been placed on evacuation alert.
Flames broke out near Cooper’s Mountain last night fanned by high winds, and by 10 p.m. officials were warning nearby residents to be ready to leave on short notice.
A statement from the BC Wildfire Service says three firefighters are working to contain it.
“The incident has received helicopter bucketing assistance and airtanker support to lay down retardant on the north and east flanks. More personnel will be deployed to the fire tomorrow as needed.”
And more than two dozen firefighters are battling a slightly larger fire just off the Yellowhead Highway north of Valemount.
“The wildfire is located on the south aspect, north of Highway 16 approximately 5 kilometres east of Tete Jaune Cache. It is estimated to be 15 hectares in size.”
Crews are working to contain the fire at the base of a steep slope.
Despite the soggy Spring, Fire Information Officer Claire Allen says the severity of the coming wildfire season hinges largely on the June rains.
“Folks going out into the back country do need to be aware that forest fuels dry out a lot quicker than individuals realize, especially with significant wind like we’ve been having,” she says.
You can check DriveBC for local road conditions.
