A large number of human-caused wildfires and above-normal temperatures across the province have fire officials urging hunters and recreationalists to be extremely careful with campfires in the backcountry.
Fire wardens continue to discover abandoned campfires and encounter other burning violations. So far this season, 55 campfires have escaped and caused wildfires.
Many regions of B.C., particularly the south, are experiencing well-above normal temperatures, which means the risk for wildfire starts is increasing. With hot and dry conditions expected for the foreseeable future, it is critical that the public remains vigilant.
The fire danger rating for the province is currently moderate to high, with pockets of extreme in the Central and Southern Interior and southern regions of Vancouver Island.
The province has responded to 539 fires so far this season, 64 per cent of which have been caused by human carelessness.
All person-caused fires are preventable. They unnecessarily tie-up limited Wildfire Management Branch resources and result in high fire suppression costs.
Anyone caught breaking a fire ban can be fined up to $345 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.
Report smoke and flames by calling *5555 on mobile phones or 1-800-663-5555.
For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions in B.C., visit the Wildfire Management Branch website at: www.bcwildfire.ca.
-Submitted
