45% of B.C. wildfires human-caused this season, prompting long-weekend warning
Posted September 3, 2020 11:58 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — While B.C.’s wildfire season has been mild this year, almost half of the fires since the start of April have been caused by people.
The BC Wildfire Service is out with a fire safety warning as a result, saying that even in a down year, over 11,000 hectares have burned in the province, and 45 per cent of fires were human-caused.
Among the reminders, the service says not to light campfires or keep them burning in windy conditions, as embers can ignite nearby grass or trees. It also recommends having a shovel and at least eight litres of water on hand when making a campfire.
Campfires can’t be larger than 0.5 metres high or 0.5 metres wide and should never be left unattended. Make sure they are properly extinguished before leaving too.
Pointing to the Christie Mountain wildfire near Penticton, the service reminds British Columbians how quickly fires can spread.
“Although northern portions of B.C. are currently experiencing cooler conditions, fire prevention is a responsibility that everyone shares – no matter where people live,” the service says on its website.
“Human-caused fires are completely preventable and can unnecessarily divert firefighting resources from naturally occurring wildfires or fires that are already burning.”
The #BCWildfire Service urges British Columbians to stay alert and use caution with any activity that could potentially spark a wildfire this #LabourDay weekend. Please refer to the following news release for precautions on how to prevent wildfires: https://t.co/MUBqP2Tm6c
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 3, 2020
Heading into the long weekend, there aren’t any broad campfire bans in the province, however, people are urged to check with the local authority.
Anyone caught leaving a campfire unattended could face anything from a fine of $1,150 or up to a year in jail.
Since April 1, BC Wildfire Service says crews have battled 586 fires in the province.
Call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone to report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation.
