Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adam Donnelly

WILDFIRE RISK

Danger is low in Kamloops Fire Centre, but BC Wildfire Service urges caution for campers

Jul 3, 2020 | 5:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Despite the recent wet weather throughout the province, the BC Wildfire Service is urging the public to exercise vigilant fire safety as they head out into nature this summer.

Entering the first full weekend of July, the fire danger rating through much of the Interior is classified as low or very low. However, Fire Information Officer Taylor MacDonald says a stretch of warm, dry weather could quickly change the fire risk.

“That’ll depend a lot on our local short-term weather patterns… throughout the months of July and August,” MacDonald explains. “If we see a lot of drying trends, and how long they last for, and if we see any lightning or thunderstorms that pass through.”

Due to the wet weather this year, fire activity in the Kamloops Fire Centre is down significantly from previous years. However, with summer holidays officially underway, many residents will be heading out to campsites, which increases the risk of human-initiated forest fires. MacDonald says it’s crucial to remember fire-safe practices when out enjoying nature.

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“It’s always a good reminder once we get into the summer months, and people start getting outdoors and enjoying those campfires, just to remain cautious,” MacDonald suggests. “Despite this cooler weather, you could start a wildfire if you let a campfire escape. It’s a reminder to everyone to be extra cautious, make sure you have the proper equipment on-site if you do have a campfire, and be sure to keep campfires to 0.5 meters high by 0.5 meters wide.”

MacDonald also urges people to ensure their campfire is fully extinguished before leaving it unattended.