Since April 1st

Wildfire Management Branch crews have responded to 19 fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre. All of these fires were human-caused, with most of them attributable to escaped grass fires or careless debris pile burning.

The Kamloops Fire Centre encourages the public to exercise caution when conducting outdoor burning.

As the snow melts, dead grasses can dry out quickly due to increased temperatures and wind. Anyone doing outdoor burning should pay attention to changing weather conditions and follow all burning regulations in order to reduce the number of preventable fires.

While FireSmart clearing and burning activities are encouraged this time of year to mitigate interface wildfire risks, backyard burning must be done safely. Homeowners and industry personnel are encouraged to visit the Wildfire Management Branch website – www.bcwildfire.ca/Prevention – consult the B.C. FireSmart manual and take the following precautions:

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn during windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard at least one metre around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• If you are planning a large burn, consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter beforehand to create a fuel break and help stop the fire from spreading beyond its intended size. Each of these fires should be kept small and must be completely extinguished before starting a new fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure that your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area.

Before conducting a burn, check with your local fire department, municipality and regional district to see if any open burning restrictions or bylaws are in effect.