Wildfire season is here: Be ready says BC Premier
By Contributor
Sadly, and very early in the year, Premier Christy Clark took time to remind all British Columbians of the importance of wildfire prevention in the wake of the 34 wildfires that blazed up in a single day in the northeast earlier this week.
The flare-up of fires was driven by high temperatures and wind, serving as a reminder that wildfire seasons can be unpredictable and start early. The BC Wildfire Service is fully prepared for the 2016 fire season and its crews have been tackling this week’s fires head-on, supported by heavy equipment and aircraft.
“The wildfires in the Peace and across Northern B.C. are a grim reminder that fire season is starting earlier and earlier,” Premier Christy Clark said.
“Everyone needs to understand the importance of reducing wildfire risks around their homes and in their communities.”
Given the flexibility that the BC Wildfire Service has built into its contracts, two air tanker groups are now in service ahead of schedule to deal with the unusually quick start to the fire season. Additional airtanker groups will be ready for duty by May 2.
The Province has also increased its commitment to wildfire prevention with the top-up of $10 million to the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative, bringing the province’s total investment to date in this program to $78 million. The fund was set up in 2004 and is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
It helps local governments and First Nations significantly reduce wildfire risks around their communities.
As part of Balanced Budget 2016, the province also invested $85 million in the new Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. The society will focus on wildfire risk reduction to complement the ministry’s existing forest stewardship programs and world-class wildfire suppression capabilities.
“Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility of the provincial government, local governments, industry stakeholders and individual British Columbians,” said Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomsom.
“I urge everyone to learn more about the FireSmart program and do what they can to minimize wildfire threats near their homes.”
Wildfire prevention and mitigation are everyone’s responsibility. Rural property owners are encouraged to learn more about the FireSmart program and how it can help reduce wildfire threats on their property. Using common sense and watching for changing weather conditions can also help reduce the risk.
FireSmart activities include:
- Thinning and trimming trees, shrubs and other vegetation
- Removing flammable material from the property
- Ensuring that woodpiles and other easily ignited materials are stored away from buildings and
- Using fire-resistant building and landscaping materials
The recently updated FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual provides risk reduction tips and is available online at: http://bcwildfire.ca/Prevention/firesmart.htm
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or burning violation, please call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
Learn More:
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
The newly updated FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual is available online: http://bcwildfire.ca/Prevention/firesmart.htm
A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online: bit.ly/1GlhE9l
For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1 888 3-FOREST, or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
