(B.C. Wildfire Service).

By Aaron Schulze

Wildfire Watch

Not uncommon for Kamloops region to see wildfires this time of year: B.C. Wildfire Service

Apr 6, 2021 | 1:17 PM

KAMLOOPS — UPDATE: The BC Wildfire Service now lists the Quilchena Creek fire at 830 hectares.

EARLIER: As of Tuesday (April 6), there are 10 active wildfires within the Kamloops region.

Seven are under control, two are new and one near Quilchena Creek is at 300 hectares and considered out of control, although there is a group of 20 fire personnel on site with a helicopter to combat it.

Fire Information Officer Nicole Bonnett said it’s not uncommon to see these types of wildfires during this time of year, mainly due to dead fuel moisture.

“When the snow melts off, that top layer is quite dry and easily ignitable,” Bonnett said. “The fire activity we’ve seen so far is a good reminder to people that if you’re doing some yard work and using some fire… be mindful of all of the open burning regulations and all the rules around having a campfire. Especially so you’ve got the adequate tools and water on sight for the type of fire you’re using, so you are prepared if a gust of wind or something comes along, and the fire use doesn’t get beyond what your intended activity is.”

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There’s a chance of showers in areas of the Kamloops region on Wednesday and Friday. Bonnett said the rain would only assist containing the fires if it comes in large quantities.

“If it’s not substantial, then it probably won’t provide much relief,” she said. “The overnight recoveries are quite good still with cooler overnight temperatures and higher relative humidity in the air. Both of those factors really play into decreasing fire behaviour overnight.”

Bonnett encourages residents to report wildfires with as much detail as possible if they come across one.