File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Jill Sperling

BC Wildfire

Fire danger increasing in Kamloops Fire Centre during heat wave

Jul 29, 2020 | 4:32 PM

KAMLOOPS — There was a slow start to the wildfire season in B.C., but the hot and dry conditions are raising the risk for fire.

The Kamloops Fire Centre is currently experiencing a heat wave, which can quickly dry out grasses and increase the fire danger rating.

Currently, most of the fire centre is experiencing a moderate to high fire danger rating.

Fire Information Officer Kyla Fraser says with no rain in the immediate forecast, people should use caution to prevent inadvertently starting a fire.

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“Especially right now as we experience these hot and dry weather conditions, it’s really important for people to be careful with their fire usage,” Fraser said. “If you are planning to have a campfire, make sure you check in with your local government to ensure there aren’t any bans in place and always make sure that it’s cool to the touch before you leave an area. You don’t want to just dump some water on it and walk away.”

Due to the change in weather conditions, certain fire prohibitions are now in effect in the Kamloops Fire Centre.

“We’re constantly monitoring the situation to determine when and if we need to implement a prohibition. So in this case we will now be prohibiting category 2, category 3, as well as other activities such as fireworks or sky lanterns,” Fraser said. “Those will now all be prohibited in order to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.”

Anyone who spots a wildfire should report it to the Provincial Wildfire Reporting Centre by calling 1-800-663-5555 or by texting *5555 from a cell phone.