The BC Wildfire Service says at this time it is hard to predict whether the 2021 fire season will be quiet like 2019 and 2020 or challenging like 2017 and 2018.
Fire Information Officer, Gagan Lidhran, says they are preparing for whatever fire season lies ahead as we head closer to summer.
“In terms of the Kamloops Fire Centre, we usually base our levels of preparedness by studying weather forecasts. It gives us a good idea of what to expect in the short term,” she said. “It is also always mindful for the public to know that at this time of the year, human caused wildfires are usually what the fire starts are from, so therefore they are completely preventable.”
“It is a good time for the public to really educate themselves on how they can help us prevent wildfires heading into the 2021 season as the days get warmer, hotter, and longer.”
Lidhran says the BC Wildfire Service is able to respond to any fires in the Kamloops area as the first wave of firefighters returned to work at the start of this month. Already they’ve had to put out several small fires over the past two weeks.
“All of our preparedness levels are just based on studying the forecast. I can’t necessarily speak to how many crews we usually have because that’s more of a provincial wildfire coordination centre thing, but in terms of the Kamloops Fire Centre, we are well staffed and are able to respond to the current wildfire risk,” she added.
“We do have the capability, as a provincial body, to reach through to other fire centres if we would need additional support.”
Lidhran previously told NL News these early season fires are reminders that there is a wildfire risk at lower elevations even though its not the peak of summer yet.
“There is potential for fires to start, due to that dry grass and the combustibility of the fuel. So we are reminding the public to please be extremely cautious with their fire usage,” she said. “Especially if they are outdoors or participating in any campfire activities.”
(Photo via BC Wildfire Service)