PETERS: As the horror movie franchise gives us another sequel, we have to maintain some optimism

And here we are.

As of this recording, the Shetland Creek wildfire that sparked earlier this week near Spences Bridge is creeping north.

Another bombardment of lightning hit the Shuswap and the Kootenays, sparking fires that are small now, but with wind and heat, could be much larger before we know it.

Since 2017, this province has had more terrible wildfire seasons than normal ones — meaning terrible may be the new normal.

Even those of us who are not in the direct path of the flames are faced with a blanket of choking smoke that limits our abilities to enjoy the outdoors — the very reason many of us came to the BC Interior.

It’s enough to give anyone anxiety.

Even in the face of this dread, though, there is reason to be optimistic.

The silver lining to the dark cloud of tragedy in places like Lytton and the North Shuswap is there are lessons to be learned that can help in the future.

Authorities are making greater efforts to connect with local and Indigenous knowledge of the land.

More and more communities are implementing as many FireSmart practices as they can.

That program was praised for helping save Logan Lake from the Tremont Creek wildfire three years ago.

This year, it may have already helped save dozens and dozens of properties in the Venables Valley between Spences Bridge and Ashcroft.

The more properties given the proper FireSmart treatment, the lower the chances for catastrophic losses, the less need for firefighters to take extraordinary risks and put themselves in danger.

We have to keep some optimism. Without it, our summer will be as bleak as a smoke-filled sky.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters

PETERS: As the horror movie franchise gives us another sequel, we have to maintain some optimism

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