March wildfire starts not uncommon: BC Wildfire Service

Mar 28, 2023 | 4:10 PM

KAMLOOPS — This week, as the weather begins to warm, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) has been busy fighting a pair of early season fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre. Currently there are 11 active fires burning across the fire centre.

The first fire sparked over the weekend near the Rivershore Estates and Golf Links. The blaze, which is now listed as under control, grew to two hectares before crews were able to contain it. Fire Information Officer Taylor Wallace stated conditions in the valley bottoms are drying quickly this spring.

“We are definitely seeing some dry conditions in the Kamloops Fire Centre. A lot of that has carried over from the drought conditions we saw late in the fall. That has carried on through March. But once we begin to see that precipitation that we typically get in the spring months that could change for sure,” said Wallace.

A second fire, sparked south of Barnhartvale Monday night (March 27), was quickly knocked down by the initial attack crew.

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Wallace noted that it’s not uncommon for the fire centre to see a few fire starts in the month of March. She reiterated the importance of safety for individuals conducting open-burning.

“Just reminding people if there are any open burning activities that they are partaking in right now, just make sure they are being really cautious with those activities. We are seeing quite a few suspected human-caused wildfires, so we are reminding the public to just remain cautious with any open-burning they are taking on,” added Wallace. “As well as following all the regulations and rules and checking with their local government to ensure they are following all the regulations and rules as well.”

by Michael Reeve

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March wildfire starts not uncommon: BC Wildfire Service

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