Three wildfires in B.C. interior believed to have been human caused

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KAMLOOPS (NEWS 1130) – B.C. has already recorded three wildfires this year — all of which are suspected to be human caused.

While it may still be a little early in the season, Gagan Lidhran, a fire information officer with the Kamloops Fire Centre, says it’s not unusual to see grass fires this time of year.

“Because of other fuels that are dead from the winter and haven’t yet had a chance to green up with the spring rains. However, that means that the grass is going to be extremely dry and volatile and risks combustion,” she explained Monday.

The three fires were sparked over the weekend. As we look ahead to warmer months, the BC Wildfire Service says this serves as a reminder to the public to be careful of fire usage.

“This weekend, at the end of the day, served as a really great example of how, even though it’s a bit cool outside and even though the weather is beginning to warm up, there is still that risk of wildfire, particularly through human activity,” Lidhran said.

“Please be careful with any burning that they may be conducting, to always make sure to keep your fire half metre by half metre, always ensure that you have either eight litres of water or a hand tool to extinguish the fire, make sure your fire is cool to the touch before you leave the campsite, and never leave your campfire unattended,” she added.

At this point in time, it’s hard to determine what the severity of the upcoming season will look like.

All three of the weekend fires burning near Kamloops, Merritt, and Penticton were brought under control.

-With files from Yasmin Gandham

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