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BC WILDFIRE

BC Wildfire Service urges caution as weather heats up

Aug 19, 2019 | 4:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — With the weather heating up this week, the BC Wildfire Service is once again asking people to be responsible with their campfires.

While the wildfire season has been quiet, temperatures will be in the high 20s and low 30s this week.

Around Kamloops, fuels have been drying out and there is no significant rainfall expected over the coming days.

“We aren’t expecting to see any precipitation or any lightning within the week, so we’ll see how that plays out,” said Fire Information Officer Taylor MacDonald. “But, the fire danger rating in the Kamloops Fire Centre has been ranging from moderate to high in some areas, with low up in the North Thompson. So, the South Okanagan we’re seeing some kind of higher danger ratings, but around Kamloops it’s been generally moderate so far.”

There have been 134 fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre to date this season, which is much lower than last year when there were close to 400 fires by this time.

However, with the drier conditions is week, the BC Wildfire Service is reminding people to be vigilant.

“Just to make sure they have the proper equipment if they’re going out to have a campfire, still enjoying that summer weather is always nice,” MacDonald said. “But, making sure that you have a guard around your campfire and all the proper tools and making sure the ashes are cool to the touch if you are leaving it for an extended period of time.”