Sustained high temperatures throughout British Columbia this week are increasing the potential for wildfires.
According to a media release from the provincial ministry of forests, residents, travellers and campers should be prepared for wildfire and heat, have an emergency plan and stay informed as conditions change.
BC Wildfire Service is closely monitoring these changing conditions and making necessary preparations with strategic aviation and crew placements. Of note is the potential for widespread lightning when the current weather pattern changes. Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility, the release stated.
Category two and Category three open fires are prohibited throughout BC. Campfires are currently permitted within the wildfire service’s jurisdiction. Escaped campfires can lead to human-caused wildfires, but that does not mean a campfire can’t be enjoyed safely, according to the release.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
Local governments and other jurisdictional authorities such as BC Parks may have their own burning restrictions or bylaws in place. It is important to check with these local authorities before lighting any fire, the release stated.
People can stay informed as conditions change at bcwildfire.ca or through the BC wildfire service app.
Between April 1 and the morning of July 28, 380 wildfires have burned more than 13,000 hectares in British Columbia. People have caused 52 per cent of those fires.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1.800.663.5555 toll-free, or *5555 on a cellphone, or submit a report through the BC Wildfire Service app, which provides real-time wildfire information and features an interactive map users can customize to display a variety of wildfire-related data. The app is available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices as a free download.
For the full media release, which contains a great deal of information regarding the heat, go to news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022FOR0049-001192.
