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BC WIldfire

BC Wildfire Service issues reminder to protect properties despite slower wildfire season

Jul 22, 2019 | 9:44 AM

KAMLOOPS — Thanks to the cooler, rainier weather in July, the Kamloops Fire Centre has experienced much fewer fires than this time last year.

Fire Information Officer Taylor MacDonald says the BC Wildfire Service has responded to 99 fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre this year, compared to 189 fires in the same time period last year.

But, with warmer and drier conditions on the way, the risk of wildfires may increase.

“It wouldn’t be any immediate action for any kind of fire behaviour,” MacDonald said. “It will just kind of take a bit of time to see where the fuels dry out and see how that sort of works out.”

A two-hectare fire that popped up near Savona this weekend was quickly brought under control.

That fire is believed to be human-caused.

While the fire danger rating remains low, the BC Wildfire Service is encouraging people to remain vigilant.

“While we’re seeing very little and minimal increase in fire activity, just taking the time to remind people to FireSmart their properties while they have this time,” MacDonald said. “Just making sure that they’re getting rid of any fuels that are nearby or on their properties that may easily ignite and just making sure that if you’re planting any flowers or any shrubs or anything maybe to try and use fire-resistant shrubs and trees and all that sort of thing.”