After last year’s busy wildfire season, the Northwest Fire Centre is preparing for what could be another busy season.
Part of the preparations include recruiting and training firefighters, as well onboarding new equipment.
Information Officer Morgan Blois said so far, one holdover fire has been recorded in the Nadina fire zone.
“We are still getting some scanning done to detect any remaining heat on other fires,” she said.
Another factor being monitored is the continued drought conditions being experienced through the region.
While they are anticipating a busy season, Blois said it’s too early in the year to predict how this summer will play out.
She added most fires this time of year tend to be human caused and accelerated by drier grass.
“That does impact the potential for some fires this spring. However, we also see a green-up later in the spring that tends to add that moisture back into the ground and makes it harder for fires to start.”
No fire bans are currently planned for the Northwest centre but talks about implementing one are being had.
“If they are to go in place, we’ll see that happen in the next week or two. Otherwise, we’re encouraging the public to stay vigilant with their burning,” said Blois.
She recommends checking the venting index, forecast, and making sure supplies are available to properly extinguish a fire before doing any large burns.
Yesterday (Wednesday), the Prince George Fire Centre announced Category 2 and 3 fire bans will take effect next week.