BC Wildfire Service Predicts Challenging Summer Fire Season
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
KAMLOOPS - British Columbia is heading into an elevated wildfire season, with officials warning of vigorous and difficult-to-control fires this summer.
In its Seasonal Outlook released June 16, the BC Wildfire Service said long-range forecasts point to a warmer and drier-than normal summer across much of the province.
According to BC Wildfire Service persistent drought and a dry spring have created conditions similar to the severe fire years of 2017, 2018, and 2021.
Drought levels are above average in the Chilcotin, Lower Thompson, Okanagan, Vancouver Island, and Northeast B.C.
The Drought Code, which tracks deep forest fuel moisture, is particularly high from Vanderhoof through the Chilcotin to the Fraser Canyon. Spring snowpack was well below normal in the Southern Interior and Coast, while May brought warmer temperatures and well below-average rainfall.
Fire activity is expected to peak in July and August, especially in the Central and Southern Interior and South Coast. Officials say significant rain needed to ease the multi-year drought is unlikely.
In response, open burning prohibitions have been expanded in the Northwest Fire Centre. Category 3 fires are banned across the entire centre, and Category 2 fires are prohibited in the Nadina Fire Zone.
The bans remain in effect until Sept. 25.The BC Wildfire Service is urging the public to follow all restrictions, practise FireSmart measures, and stay vigilant as the province enters the core wildfire season.
BC Wildfire Service Predicts Challenging Summer Fire Season
Category 3 fires: Large open burns (big piles, windrows, or large grass fires). Banned province-wide.
Category 2 fires: Medium open burns (1–2 piles or small grass fires). Banned in Nadina Fire Zone.
Nadina Fire Zone: Wildfire management zone in the Northwest Fire Centre (Burns Lake/Houston area).
Comments