NANAIMO — Despite a prolonged stretch of hot, dry weather, s’mores can remain on the camping menu for now.
The Coastal Fire Centre has yet to issue a campfire ban for 2024, with wildfire experts and meteorologists examining the forecast and current conditions on a regular basis.
Fire information officer Jade Richardson said as of now, conditions don’t warrant an escalation of existing fire restrictions.
“We are looking at the indices, and all the numbers, daily and we are in discussions daily about the fire weather and the forecast and keeping an eye on things.”
As of Tuesday, July 9, no fires were burning in the Coastal Fire Centre and there was limited fire activity across the bottom two-thirds of the province.
Around 100 wildfires are presently burning in B.C., concentrated in the province’s northeastern corner.
Richardson said the recent run of hot, dry weather will obviously change things as the backcountry continues to dry out.
“We’ll be keeping an eye on that and the other effects that this hot weather may continue to have in the region. Many of the areas are moving into a high or moderate fire danger rating, with some areas very small areas along the southern coast of the island moving into extreme fire danger rating as well.”
Nanaimo saw its fire danger rating bumped to extreme on Monday, July 8.
She added just because a campfire ban is not in effect, doesn’t mean people should be cavalier about fire safety.
Campfires should only be a half metre by half metre in size, and those having them should ensure they have enough water on standby to fully extinguish the fire until it’s cool to the touch.
“We are hoping that folks, when they’re outdoors and they’re recreating, that they’re doing so safely and mindfully, even if activities that they are doing, such as campfires, which are not yet prohibited, are permitted. It doesn’t mean that they can’t potentially cause a fire and with the hot and dry conditions.”
Activities like ATV’ing and using other equipment in dry, brush conditions can also spark a fire if proper care and attention isn’t given.
To report a wildfire, call *5555 on a cell phone or 1-800-663-5555.
— with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle
A map of active fires burning in B.C. on Tuesday, July 9. None are in the Coastal Fire Centre. (BC Wildfire Service)Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening
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