This B.C. wildfire season could last longer than usual
Posted August 22, 2022 10:14 am.
After a late start due to a wetter spring, B.C.’s wildfire season could last a little longer than usual this year.
The season usually winds down the first week of September, but fire information officer Andrea Health says the BC Wildfire Service’s weather modelling is suggesting the wildfire season will continue until at least mid-September.
Officials are attributing the wildfire season extension to persisting hot and dry weather.
Related article: Lightning could spike B.C. wildfire activity
As of Monday morning, there were six “wildfires of note” in B.C., including the 70.4 km² Keremeos Creek fire southwest of Penticton, which is still considered out of control. There are evacuation alerts in effect and about 200 crew members have been deployed, along with 10 helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment. The cause is still under investigation.
The Mount Docking fire is 13.3 km² and is also out of control east of Radium Hot Springs.
The 21.6 km² Briggs Creek wildfire is burning west of Kaslo, where warm and dry conditions are expected to continue. That fire was caused by lightning.
Lightning is also the cause of the 17 km² Connell Ridge wildfire south of Cranbrook. The BC Wildfire Service says the fire is active, but being held.
The fire danger rating across B.C. remains moderate to high in most parts. It is rated as “extreme” in isolated areas.
