Be wildfire smart this year
BC Wildfire Service illustration
May and June are typically the rainiest months in the B.C. Interior. The amount and duration of rain events during this period influence the length and intensity of the core wildfire season. Conditions can improve if widespread, continuous rain is received this spring.
In their Summer 2024 long-range forecast, BC Wildfire Service says it is too early to tell though; long-range weather forecasts, especially for precipitation, are unreliable. However, meteorologists are skeptical that sufficient rainfall will occur. Until we experience significant and prolonged rains, the elevated drought will continue to support the potential for easy ignition and rapid wildfire growth
Forest fires and wildfires are a significant threat to BC’s forests, biodiversity and communities. The current 10-year wildfire average in the province is 1,350 per year, of which over 45% are caused by people.
With around half of all wildfires in BC being human-caused, let’s work together to prevent wildfires by following these simple rules:
Campfires
Check with local authorities for fire bans and restrictions.
Where permitted, keep campfires less than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.
Have a shovel or 8L of water nearby to extinguish your fire.
Never leave a campfire unattended, and ensure your campfire is completely out and the ashes cool to touch before you go.
If you plan to have a campfire on public lands outside of BC Parks, minimize the impacts on the natural environment of a campfire.
During fire restrictions, campers may be permitted to use outdoor stoves (for cooking) or spark and smoke-free portable campfire devices (for comfort or heat) that are CSA or ULC approved; the flame length of a portable campfire device must not exceed 15 cm (6”).
Off-road vehicle use
Be careful about where and when you drive an off-road vehicle (ORV). Learn about the rules and guidelines for ORV use in this infographic.
Useful information
Call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cell if you spot smoke, flames or an unattended campfire.
Check BC Wildfire Service for fire bans and fire safety tips.
Social media links for BC Wildfire Service:
Learn more about open fire regulations here.
For safe camping guidelines in-park and backcountry, visit BC Parks or Recreation Sites and Trails BC.
Download the full infographic here.
What is prescribed fire?
Prescribed fire refers to the deliberate and planned use of fire in a designated land area. It is one of the most ecologically sound and efficient methods for achieving various objectives, including habitat improvement, priming land for tree planting, or combatting disease.
Moreover, prescribed fire is pivotal in addressing air quality and climate goals by preempting large, destructive wildfires and substituting them with controlled, timely, and meticulously planned low-intensity burns.
The execution of prescribed fires requires meticulous planning spanning several months. They are meticulously managed to minimize the risk of fire spreading beyond intended boundaries and to mitigate any potential smoke impacts, while concurrently maximizing the advantages to the targeted site.
Visit PrescribedFire.ca to learn more.
