Fire risk to shift from north to south: BC Wildfire Service

The forest fire risk in B.C. is expected to shift from the northern reaches of the province to the southeast, BC Wildfire Service officials say.

In a briefing today, forecaster Neil McLoughlin said northern reaches of B.C. have seen “significant rain” which is “a really good thing.”

But their models predict that overall the rest of August and early September will be warmer than normal, and the fire danger will shift south, where rain could be isolated and a few days of hot weather could bring the danger rating back to high to extreme.

He added they expect about normal precipitation, but can’t be sure.

So far, 528 fires have burned a total of 22,000 hectares in B.C. this year, compared to more than 1,300 last year that burned 570,784 hectares. The 20-year average by this point is 113,976 hectares. McLoughlin said 2022 most closely resembles the fire seasons of 2020 and 2011.

Over the past week, 154 new fires broke out, 121 of which are being held, are under control, or have been put out. Nearly three quarters were caused by lightning.

As of Wednesday, there were 91 active wildfires throughout the province, including six considered “of note” for either being highly visible or posing a threat to public safety. Four of these were in the Kamloops Fire Centre and two in the Southeast Fire Centre.

As of noon today, campfires are banned in Kamloops, Southeast, and Coastal fire centres.

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Bear-resistant bins coming to downtown Nelson

Hungry bears will have a harder time feasting in Nelson’s downtown core as the city rolls out 35 new bear-resistant garbage bins. 

B.C’s youth watchdog says more work needs to be done, one year after report on systemic failures

One year after a report by British Columbia's Child and Youth Representative on the horrific death of an Indigenous boy in care, the province is still working on an action plan for systemic changes to children and youth social services.

B.C. expands heat pump rebates to some renters, condo owners

British Columbia is expanding its heat pump rebate program to eligible apartment renters and condo owners. 

B.C. expands heat pump rebates to some renters, condo owners

British Columbia is expanding its heat pump rebate program to eligible apartment renters and condo owners. 

B.C. urges water conservation as drought deepens in some regions

British Columbia’s water, land and resource stewardship minister is encouraging residents to conserve water, saying drought is worsening in parts of the province. 
- Advertisement -