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By Victor Kaisar

Wildfire Safety

BC Wildfire, Kamloops Fire Rescue urging caution over May long weekend

May 16, 2025 | 1:46 PM

KAMLOOPS — The BC Wildfire Service wants people to take precautions with any fire use over the May long weekend, saying most wildfires are preventable.

It is urging people to check for wildfire activity, weather conditions, road closures as well as evacuation orders and alerts, before lighting any fires.

“B.C. continues to receive below-average precipitation for this time of year, which is having a lasting impact on water levels, and there is potential for prolonged drought this year,” a statement from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness said.

“People are encouraged to take steps to use water more efficiently and plan for potential drought conditions.”

Backcountry users are also being urged to ensure they’re well prepared before heading out, and to ensure that their off-road vehicles don’t accidentally spark a fire.

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While the current weather and fire situation going into the May long weekend is favourable across much of southern B.C., there are pockets where the fire danger rating is moderate to extreme in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

Most of the Cariboo and the Prince George fire centres are at a moderate fire danger rating as of publishing, while the Southeast Fire Centre is at a low to very low fire danger rating.

“Everything is starting to green up and we’ve had a lot of moisture but we know here that with the heat we get, the wind we get, the ground dries out very quickly, so be careful with your practices,” Kamloops Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc told CFJC Today.

He also said its important that people do their part around their homes to ensure that they’re prepared for the fire season that lies ahead.

“Things like making sure you are FireSmarting around your properties, especially those initial safety zones,” he said. “Making sure you don’t have a lot of dead brush, you don’t have a lot of stuff that embers could start on fire.”

“I’m going to take a plug here for our usual no cedars or junipers around your home.”

A ban on larger Category 3 open fires went into effect across the Kamloops Fire Centre at 12:00 p.m. Friday (May 16), while a ban on Category 2 and 3 fires is already in place for the Cariboo Fire Centre.

For the latest on fire bans and restrictions across British Columbia, go here.