Fire danger rating, July 27, 2022 (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

FIRE DANGER

Kamloops residents asked to remain vigilant as fire conditions increase

Jul 27, 2022 | 4:09 PM

KAMLOOPS — Overall, it’s been a slower start to the wildfire season this year. There are currently four wildfires burning in the Kamloops Fire Centre – including the fire of note burning west of the village of Lytton. But, with the B.C. day long weekend approaching and Kamloops experiencing the first true heat wave of the summer, residents are being warned to be vigilant.

While the Kamloops Fire Centre did see cooler conditions through the spring, natural fuels have begun to dry out quickly.

“The biggest thing we are noticing right now is there is lightning hold-over fires that are starting to pop up. The storm we had a few days ago, we are starting to see the fires show up now. So, the fire has been lingering in the ground, that’s an indication that the fuels are a little wetter than they have been in the past,” said Mikhail Elsay, Fire Information Officer.

Kamloops Fire Rescue is also joining the chorus as temperatures rise in the city. Deputy Chief Ryan Cail noted that the conditions have not yet reached the point of closing recreational areas.

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“We coordinate on historical data and previous years what drought code is like. What the fuels are like on the forest floors and we put together a best guess for when we should incorporate those issues and rules. Right now we aren’t quite there yet so we want to encourage everybody to enjoy the outdoors,” said Cail.

The conditions on the side of roadways has gotten to a extremely dry condition, making proper discarding of cigarettes’ important.

“It’s definitely dry enough for fires to take off. If the weather is not necessarily cooperating, but encouraging fire growth then we are definitely going to see some drastic fires for sure,” added Cail.

The Deputy Chief also mentioned that exhaust pipes can start fires in the bush. Those heading out into the back-country this long weekend are asked to remain vigilant and report any sighting of fire. However, the fire centre is not yet enacting a campfire ban.

“We just want to remind the public to again be super vigilant while they are out there, obviously it is hot and dry. The bc wildfire service relies on the public to report all wildfires that they notice,” said Elsay.

The fire danger rating in the Kamloops Fire Centre is currently ‘High’.