
(Photo: Abby Zieverink)
Citing the current and forecast weather conditions and fire behaviour, the BC Wildfire Service has decided to lift a campfire ban for the Kamloops and Cariboo fire centres at noon tomorrow, June 16.
The Kamloops Fire Centre’s Taylor Colman says they’ve made the decision based on a number of factors, including the weather.
“Definitely the conditions. Not a specific figure or temperature necessarily, but the humidity in the air and the fuels on the ground,” Colman said. “So if we’ve received rain, those surface fuels are a little bit less receptive to ignition.”
Colman says staffing levels also factor into the decisions to rescind the bans.
“Resource availability and how staffed we are and the risk versus what is available to respond and where we can get help from outside the Fire Centre as well, if it is needed,” she added.
Right now, the fire-danger rating throughout much of the Kamloops Fire Center is considered “moderate” with pockets that are considered “high.”
As of publishing, there were six active fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre, with two of those considered under control and three being held.
“The one in Wells Gray is the largest and with that one it is a modified response, so we’re monitoring it,” Colman said, referencing the 1,270 hectare Murtle Lake fire. “It’s been a little bit challenging terrain, but we’re working with BC Parks and managing that.”
“It is currently closed the access to Murtle Lake but [we’re] continuing to monitor and as I mentioned, the forecast might be favorable for us so we’ll keep an eye on that one.”
Larger Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will remain prohibited throughout the Kamloops and Cariboo fire centres, as is the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, burn barrels or burn cages, binary exploding targets, tiki and similar kinds of torches, chimineas, and air curtain burners.
The campfire bans were put in place just last week, on June 8.
For the latest on provincial bans or restrictions, go here. For the Fire Danger Rating across B.C., go here.
– With files from Paul James