Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Ashley Legassic

LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

Officials urge caution with campfires, outdoor activities ahead of long weekend

Aug 29, 2019 | 10:58 AM

KAMLOOPS — Rainfall has helped several areas in the province have a milder wildfire season, but with the last long weekend of the summer upon us, outdoor enthusiasts are being reminded to take caution.

Warm weather is in the forecast for the Kamloops Fire Centre, and there’s a risk that forest fuels and grasslands will dry out.

Everyone planning on spending time outdoors over the Labour Day long weekend is being urged to use caution with any activity that could spark a wildfire.

Human-caused fires are preventable and can unnecessarily divert firefighting resources from new, naturally occurring wildfires, and from wildfires that are already burning.

“I hope that all British Columbians can enjoy the Labour Day long weekend with friends and family,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development in a news release. “While this fire season hasn’t been as active as the past two summers, we still need everyone to remain vigilant and act responsibly.”

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So far this year the BC Wildfire Service has responded to nearly 700 wildfires across the province, with more than half caused by people.

While campfires are still allowed in the Kamloops Fire Centre, they can’t be larger than a half-metre by half-metre, fires can’t be left unattended, and there should be a fireguard and plenty of supplies on hand to put the campfire out quickly and safely.

All-terrain vehicles or dirt bikes being operated on Crown land must have a spark arrestor installed, and smokers must dispose of cigarettes and other smoking materials responsibly.