The 2024 wildfire season was less eventful compared to the year prior in the Northwest Fire Centre.
85 fires were recorded that season burning 111,000 hectares.
“In 2023, we had a very busy season and recorded 276. The 10-year average is 102,” said Fire Information Officer Casda Thomas.
The average area burned for the region is 121,000 hectares with 2023’s blazes burning 175,000.
Most of the area burned last year was from the Ootsa Lake complex south of Burns Lake.
“Last year, we had 60 lightning caused wildfires, 23 human caused, and two that remain undetermined,” said Thomas.
She added those numbers are close to the average 70% lightning caused rate in the region.
No predictions have been made about how the 2025 wildfire season will play out due to how early into the year it is.
“So much of that depends on the winter and the spring conditions including rainfall and temperatures,” Thomas said.
“We also at this time of year turn our attention to preparation, completing all those behind-the-scenes things that need to happen for us to be ready to respond effectively and efficiently.”
While the fire season doesn’t start until April, residents can visit firesmartbc.ca to help protect their home.
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