By James Peters

Mapping tool allows users to visualize 2017 BC wildfire devastation

Aug 22, 2017 | 11:37 AM

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops software company has released a mapping tool allowing users to visually compare the record-breaking 2017 BC wildfire season with other noteworthy historical fire seasons.

Lightship’s interactive map compares this summer’s burn area map with the years 1922, 1958 and 2003.

In a release, Lightship CEO Dan Erikson said, “This year’s fire season is unprecedented in multiple ways including the total area burned and the size of individual fires. If you only hear the statistic, it is hard to visualize the differences as compared to other significant years.”

“By visualizing the information on a map, you can immediately see the differences in size and distribution and better understand the current circumstances that make this season unique,” Erikson added.

More than 1,000,000 hectares have been burned by wildfires this summer, compared with about 861,000 in 1958 and 671,000 in 1922.

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The 2003 season saw far fewer total hectares burned, but the fires occurred in more densely populated areas.

To view the map, click here.