Despite recent rain and flooding the BC Interior is heading into some hot and dry conditions that will ramp up wildfire risk.
19 per cent of wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre over the last five years have been described as human-caused. This region’s average is significantly lower than the provincial average of about 40 per cent. That said, early season fires are much more likely to be human-caused.
Alex Robinson from the Southeast Fire Centre recommends checking the BC Wildfire website before any planned burning.
“Right now in the Southeast Fire Centre we have a Category 3 open burning prohibition in place. So monitoring that prohibitions page, making sure you know what is or or is not prohibited, and then following those rules appropriately.”
Being found responsible for causing a wildfire can come with consequences beyond the fire itself.
“Anyone who contravenes an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and or sentenced to a year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.”
If you spot a wildfire or dangerous fire activity it’s helpful to report it to the BC Wildfire Service. You can do this over the phone or through the BC Wildfire app. The Wildfire app works when you are offline. It will send your report and any pictures once you reach internet service.
If it’s more urgent, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.
Dangerous activities that might cause a wildfire can be reported through that number, the Wildfire app, or the Report All Poachers and Polluters, or RAPP line.
Although the BC Wildfire Service doesn’t enforce wildfire laws directly, people who break fire restrictions can face significant penalties. This can include criminal charges in some cases.
Robinson and BC Wildfire are asking people not to get complacent after the recent rain.
“Recent widespread precipitation across the Southeast Fire Centre has helped limit fire activity. But it’s important to remain mindful as warm and dry conditions are forecast for the region this coming week.”
