The Kamloops Fire Centre say the hot and dry weather over the past week increases the potential for wildfires to ignite in a region that’s already seeing high temperatures and little precipitation.
Due to these conditions, several areas of the Kamloops Fire Centre are experiencing an “extreme” fire danger rating, with the remainder of the region rated last Friday as “moderate” to “high”.
As of July 11, so far this year in the Kamloops Fire Centre, the Wildfire Management Branch has responded to 123 wildfires that have burned over 349 hectares. There are currently over 295 personnel fighting wildfires in the province and 60 of them are working on the 14 active fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre.
Current open fire prohibitions for the Kamloops Fire Centre can be viewed online at http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp. Updates on any bans and restrictions will be posted on this site throughout the summer.
Since the rest of the province is experiencing similar weather conditions, these fires serve as reminders to everyone to be extremely cautious and vigilant when carrying out industrial activities. Industry personnel need to pay particular attention to the Fire Danger Class rating for their operating area, available at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/DgrCls/index.asp?Region=5
They should also ensure that they use the appropriate weather station data for the area where they are operating and adhere to the shutdown formulas outlined in the Restrictions on High Risk Activities, available online at: http://bcwildfire.ca/Industry_Stakeholders/industry/HighRiskActivities.htm
Remember that if you see or cause a wildfire, you have an obligation to report it, take action with available resources and extinguish it if it’s practicable to do so. Please ensure that you carry out industrial operations in accordance with the Wildfire Act and Wildfire Regulation.
The Wildfire Management Branch say they appreciate the continued efforts and co-operation of the forest industry and other stakeholders regarding fire prevention and reporting. They also note that this bulletin is provided for general information only and is not to be used for operational planning or to make operational decisions.
More information about wildfires in B.C. is available at: www.bcwildfire.ca To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on your cellphone.