Wildfire risk critical across the province

The wildfire risk across the province has reached a critical level due to continued hot and dry weather, and British Columbians are being asked to voluntarily restrict back country activities.

Premier Gordon Campbell made the plea during a news conference in Victoria on Friday, July 31.

"The wildfire risk is at the highest level in recent memory, with 85 per cent of the province facing a high or extreme fire hazard level," said Campbell. "With high temperatures and lightning expected to continue every British Columbian needs to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their community by being vigilant and cautious."

The current heat wave has left the entire province vulnerable to new

fire starts, prompting the Province to take extraordinary precautions to prevent fires caused by people. All six fire centres are on high alert in anticipation of increased wildfire activity. Fire hazard levels are higher and cover more regions of the province than in 2003, when extreme conditions were mainly centred in the Southern Interior.

Since April 1, the Province has responded to 1,817 wildfires that have burned approximately 51,042 hectares of forests and grasslands. About half of those fires were human-caused. By comparison, at this point in the 2003 fire season, there were 959 fires and 31,000 hectares burned. On July 30 alone, 171 fires started, primarily from lightning.

There is currently a ban on campfires and open burning across B.C.,

with further restrictions possible if the high risk persists. Failure

to comply with burning restrictions can result in a $345 fine. It is

vital that the public respects campfire restrictions, as crews are

working to contain a large number of naturally-occurring wildfires.

The Province is asking people to reconsider their recreational

activities and avoid travelling in remote backcountry areas where

access is difficult. This is especially important as it helps reduce

the risk of accidental fire starts, and alleviates the risk to people

should remote areas be affected by fire. Should conditions continue to worsen, formal backcountry travel restrictions will be considered.

Ministry of Forests and Range staff are preparing to establish

information stops at major backcountry access routes for the beginning of August.

"The safety of people and communities across the province is paramount. Despite burning bans and warnings, crews are still responding to fires caused by people," added Campbell. "If the fire hazard remains high we will look at further restrictions on activities in the back country, based on advice from fire protection experts."

Going forward, the Wildfire Management Branch will be providing weekly fire condition updates in Victoria.

The public reports nearly half of all wildfires in B.C. To report smoke and flames by calling toll-free 1-800-663-5555 or *5555

on most cellular networks. For the latest information, visit

http://bcwildfire.ca.