Wildfire Service expecting ‘crossover conditions’ to challenge suppression efforts across B.C. this week

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“We are entering into a state for the next number of days, in particular in the north, but it will start to come into the south as well, what we call ‘crossover’ conditions. That means the temperature is higher than the relative humidity,” said Cliff Chapman, Director of Wildfire Operations with BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). “When we see crossover conditions, that is when we are really challenged in our suppression efforts whether that be on the ground or aviation resources.”

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As often stated by the wildfire service, the precipitation over the coming month will help dictate the severity of summer wildfires seen in B.C.

“Our fire season for July, August and September is dependent on June rains — that remains the same. We are now in a position though, with our drying across the province and our fuels being so receptive to ignition and fire spread, that the June rains are the biggest variable for us as we head into the core fire season,” said Chapman.

In preparation for the wildfire season, Forests Minister Bruce Ralston confirmed that 100 more recruits than usual have joined the ranks this year.

“This past year, B.C. Wildfire Service has been able to hire new staff, deploy new technology and better communicate wildfire dangers to the public. I was talking with the staff here — there are 330 new recruits hired this year,” said the forests minister.

As temperatures are expected to remain north of 30 degrees into the May long weekend, BCWS is circling Victoria Day Monday as a possible danger point for the service.

“Unfortunately, when a ridge breaks down you also see high winds, the potential for thunderstorms and it doesn’t always come with precipitation on the first day,” said Chapman. “What that means for B.C. is we have a high likelihood of seeing fire starts across the province depending on where that lightning tracks, if it shows up on holiday Monday.”

The wildfire service is placing Category 2 and 3 open burning prohibitions in place across the province effective Thursday (May 18), campfires however will still be allowed within the Kamloops Fire Centre.