By Pete McIntyre

Lightning causes wildfire concern

Aug 9, 2016 | 12:15 PM

VERNON, B.C. — It’s been a much slower wildfire season due to the wetter weather — but lightning is still causing concerns.

“Over the weekend we did receive over 4,000 lightning strikes throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre, so we are seeing quite heavy lightning activity, which could result in more fire starts over the next few days.”

Rachel Witt from the BC Wildfire Service says there has been 153 fires in the Fire Centre since April, with 14 still active.

She says that’s about half the amount of last year to this date.

There is still no campfire ban in effect for the centre, despite three abandoned campfires found over the weekend in the Salmon Arm Fire Zone.

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Witt says its based on several factors including the weather, fire activity and the rate of non compliance.

“We have seen some non compliance recently, but at this time, we are seeing a lot of rain this season.”

Witt says it’s not unprecedented, as back in 2011, a campfire ban wasn’t put in place until September 18.