Photo via TNRD
The BC Wildfire Service will be bringing in a provincewide campfire ban at noon this Friday, July 12.
It says the ban – which was already scheduled to take effect across the Kamloops Fire Centre – is due to an “increased risk of new wildfire starts from current and forecast weather conditions.”
“Camping is a long-standing tradition in this province,” the BC Wildfire Service said, in its statement announcing the ban in Kamloops Monday. “The B.C. government recognizes that people also enjoy having campfires, so it takes any decision to implement a campfire ban very seriously.”
“Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from lightning-caused wildfires.”
In a statement Tuesday, it said the process to decide whether to implement a campfire ban is “complex,” with more information available
“We would like to thank everyone for being responsible with any activity that could potentially spark a new wildfire, and for their vigilance in reporting new wildfire starts, unattended campfires or open burning violations,” the Tuesday statement said.
Armel Castellan, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said they’re working with the BC Wildfire Service on the locations where they have the most concern for wildfires.
“So, lightning associated to an upper feature where there’s just not enough moisture yet, and yet the ground is, of course, curing at very high and dry temperatures and humidity,” Castellan said.
The BC Wildfire Service said Monday that hot and dry conditions increase the potential for wildfire and the new weather pattern expected mid-week will bring high winds and thunderstorms, with dry lightning strikes.
Jennifer Smith, a national warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada, also said that they watch for four things that lead to wildfires – hot and dry conditions, wind, and lightning without rain.
“So, this is not a favourable setup for forest fires, not favourable in terms of it being good for forest fires,” Smith said. “All the ingredients are there for forest fires, unfortunately.”
B.C. had a record wildfire season last year when more than 28,400 square kilometres of forest and land was burned, while thousands of people were forced to leave their homes.
While the heat is expected to break Tuesday along the coast and on Vancouver Island, temperatures in the Interior are only expected to begin moderating on Thursday.
People found in violation of the campfire bans could be issued a ticket for $1,150, and be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000. If convicted in court, people could be also be fined up to $100,000, and/or spend up to one year in jail.
People who are found to be responsible for a fire may also be required to pay all firefighting and other related costs.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
For the latest on fire bans and restrictions, go here.
– With files from The Canadian Press
