Authorities in British Columbia are advising residents to stay vigilant while outdoors this weekend as they tackle a series of wildfires that have ignited early in the season. As of Thursday at 5 p.m. PT, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) reported a total of 19 fires burning across the province, with most of them being human-caused and five classified as out of control.
The BCWS officials had previously warned that the warm and dry winter experienced in most parts of the province could elevate the fire risk in certain areas this summer. The Coastal Fire Centre issued a cautionary advisory for residents in southwest B.C., urging them to exercise care when engaging in open burning activities over the weekend.
According to fire information officer Julia Caranci, the current weather conditions, known as outflow conditions, involve warm, drier air moving from the Interior to the coast through the valleys, leading to a significant reduction in relative humidity in the coming days. While there are no widespread burning bans in effect yet, Caranci emphasized the importance of using caution and common sense when starting fires, especially larger ones.
As of noon on Thursday, most regions in the province were rated at a moderate fire danger level, with isolated areas reporting high to extreme fire danger. In northern B.C., concerns were raised by Mark Parker, the chair of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, regarding the early onset of wildfires. Despite healthy snowpack levels in the mountains, dry grass in the valleys poses a risk, prompting Parker to urge the public to be aware and take precautions while enjoying outdoor activities this weekend.