Fraser Valley/Victoria – Even though it has not been a major wildfire season so far in 2019, with increasing temperatures and drier conditions in many parts of the province, British Columbians are urged to do everything they can to prevent wildfires on the B.C. Day long weekend and in the weeks ahead.
While wildfire activity so far this year has been relatively normal, the month of August is typically the most active part of B.C.’s wildfire season. Human-caused fires are completely preventable and unnecessarily divert crucial firefighting resources from naturally occurring wildfires. From April 1 until noon on July 31, 2019, the BC Wildfire Service responded to 579 wildfires throughout B.C., 58% of which were human-caused.
Campfires are currently allowed in all areas of the province that fall under the BC Wildfire Service’s jurisdiction. Nonetheless, people are urged to practise responsible fire use by assessing their environment and keeping an ample supply of water nearby to fully extinguish any recreational fire they light. Information about current open burning prohibitions is available on the BC Wildfire Service website at: www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirebans
