B.C. sees some of lowest human-caused wildfires since 1950, dry fall still a concern

It’s been a quiet fire season compared to some of the ones that have brought on serious challenges in recent years in B.C.

But with Pacific Ocean temperatures 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms, that means September could be a warmer month than usual.

If it’s a dry and windy month, that could pose problems, explains Neal McLoughlin with the BC Wildfire Service.

“That’s one of the key things that has been keeping our fire sizes smaller this year, it’s that winds have been generally light and stable,” McLoughlin said.

“As we transition into more fall patterns, there is the possibility for stronger winds, so that’s something that we’ll want to watch out for.”

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He says normal temperatures across the province are still a month or so away.

“Above average temperatures are likely across B.C. through September and [will] return to normal temperatures is probably not likely until October,” McLoughlin said.

“Stronger winds is what we’re really concerned about.”

Photo credit: BC Wildfire Service

As of Aug. 31, 182 wildfires are currently active in B.C.

The only wildfire of note is the Fat Dog Creek wildfire, located in EC Manning Provincial Park.

Since April 1, there have been 1,355 wildfires in B.C., resulting in 43,000 hectares burned.

Over the same time period last year, there had been 1,562 fires with 865,298 hectares burned.

The number of wildfires and area burned are both lower than the 20-year average for B.C. at this time of year, which is 1,515 fires and 259,601 hectares burned.

“B.C. is currently experiencing one of the lowest human-caused wildfire seasons since 1950,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests. “We’re asking all British Columbians to continue the great work they have been doing this season as we stay vigilant over the Labour Day weekend and for the remainder of the 2022 fire season.”

Updates to B.C. wildfires can be found on the Wildfire Service dashboard.