Cooler temperatures and rain keeping wildfires in B.C. at bay

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — After last year’s devastating wildfire season, it seems cooler temperatures and rain are helping keep wildfires at bay.

Although the number of wildfires recorded has not gone down the overall area affected has dropped dramatically, according to the BC Wildfire Service

“We’ve had about 456 wildfires this season and that’s quite on par with what we would usually see for this time of year. However, the number of hectares we’ve seen burn has been significantly lower–almost half the amount that we saw last year,” says Fire Information Officer Kyla Fraser.

Higher precipitation levels have also played a part in containing the damage done, but rainfall can be accompanied by another threat.

“The only thing that’s tricky about this is that it’s also has been accompanied by lightning in m any areas as well. Even though we’re seeing these cooler temperatures and wetter conditions that lightning still poses a threat for starting new wildfires,” Fraser explains.

Thirty two per cent of this year’s fires have been sparked by lightning, while percent were caused by people.

“It is cool, it is rainy but that’s no reason to become complacent. If you are heading out into the back-country, doing any camping or outdoor activities always be sure that you’re doing everything you can to prevent a wildfire,” Fraser says.

Fraser says that the news early in the season doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s no cause for concern going forward.

“So much of the severity of fire season depends on short-term weather conditions that we can’t really predict,” Fraser says.

A release form the wildfire service echoes Fraser’s warning.

“The province still has underlying drought conditions that could rapidly dry fuels once rainfall amounts diminish,” it says. “Current suppression tactics are successfully holding most wildfires to a small size. As we progress further into summer, suppression may be challenged by an increase in the amount of dry fuels.”

Fraser encourages anyone who sees a wildfire to report it by calling 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.

Fire prevention tips can be found here.

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