Preparations are underway in the Northwest Fire Centre for wildfire season which officially started on Tuesday.
Communication Officer Morgan Blois said wildfires that start this time of year tend to be human caused.
“We are getting into the time of year where valley bottoms are losing a lot of snow and that is creating a lot of prime, dry areas while it’s still early in the spring and snow is still in the mountains,” she said.
A prediction of how this season could play out hasn’t been made yet as the centre is waiting until June to know how much rain will fall this spring.
Last month was the driest on record in Smithers with only 4.7 millimetres falling.
“More precipitation in March would have been helpful but we also look at the snowpack in the mountains,” said Blois.
She added previous years have seen accelerated snow melts due to warm and dry weather which hasn’t been experienced yet this year.
Ways residents can help reduce the risk of wildfires includes:
- Moving firewood away from buildings,
- Removing brush from your property,
- Checking winter burn sites for residual heat,
- And being aware of any fire bans in effect.
Anyone who discovers a wildfire is asked to reporter it by calling 1 (800) 663-5555 or through the BC Wildfire App.
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