Wildfire wake-up call: Officials urge vigilance after Stump Lake blaze

“It is suspected human-caused, so there’s different levels of fire investigation that can occur after that is determined, and that’ll be kind of how it proceeds going forward,” added Stearns.

With temperatures expected to climb and dry conditions forecast across much of the Interior, firefighters are warning residents the threat of new fire starts remains high.

“We are in wildfire season right now. It’s not just starting – we are in it,” said Josh Cowen, fire and life safety educator with Kamloops Fire Rescue. “I just want to remind residents to stay vigilant, discard their cigarettes in the proper place and, in the city of Kamloops, there still is a campfire ban. We’re not allowed campfires here, or any sort of fires in that manner. You know, reminding people that it’s a $500 fine.”

Hot temperatures, low humidity and wind continue to create favourable conditions for wildfire growth throughout the Southern Interior. Officials say it can take only a few hours for conditions to shift from manageable to dangerous.

“We can have a calm morning with some dew and then by the afternoon, things can really dry out. You get a little bit of wind in there, spark from a discarded cigarette, then on fire… our firefighters have a little bit of a problem on their hands,” added Cowen.

The B.C. Wildfire Service is encouraging residents to stay informed and report new fires as quickly as possible. Fire officials also recommend creating a “fire-safe” space around homes and having an emergency plan ready in case of the need to evacuate.

“It’s really important just for people to be vigilant,” Stearns reinforced.

by Jeremy Russo

Wildfire wake-up call: Officials urge vigilance after Stump Lake blaze

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