File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Wildfire Danger

Penticton wildfire a reminder of the increasing risk throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre

Aug 19, 2020 | 4:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — While the most prominent fire in the Kamloops Fire Centre is burning near Penticton, the rest of the region has not been left unscathed.

Fire Information Officer Kyla Fraser says there have been 18 wildfires in the Kamloops area since Monday (Aug. 17).

“What’s notable about these is that many of them are suspected to be human-caused,” Fraser told CFJC Today. “At this time of year, we can see a lot of lightning-caused wildfires, but unfortunately, it just seems that we’re continuing to see human-caused ones as well.”

The Christie Mountain wildfire just south of Penticton exploded to 1,400 hectares by Wednesday afternoon.

Fraser says, for those who live elsewhere in the region, it’s a stark reminder of the danger.

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“It’s a really important reminder to folks, especially with the conditions being so hot and dry right now, we really need to do everything that we can to prevent human-caused wildfires – whether that’s being cautious with your fire usage or just being mindful when participating in any activity outdoors,” said Fraser.

“August generally is the most active time of our wildfire season. In the past few weeks, especially throughout the Okanagan area, we have seen really hot and dry weather conditions. Right now, the Kamloops Fire Centre is in a high fire danger rating, increasing to extreme throughout the southern area of our fire centre.”