B.C. urging travellers to plan ahead as wildfire risk increases over long weekend

The province is urging travellers in B.C. to plan ahead for the long weekend, as wildfires continue to burn amid hot and dry conditions.

The government says vigilance is key as much of the province is “experiencing elevated wildfire risk.”

“Warm summer temperatures combined with drought conditions throughout the province are increasing the potential for wildfires. People should follow all fire bans and restrictions and be prepared for wildfires by having an emergency plan and staying informed as conditions change,” it said in a statement.

It suggests that before you leave home, you check for road closures, evacuation alerts, orders, or other prohibitions, such as BC Parks closures.

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You must follow all instructions from local governments or First Nations, the province adds.

All-terrain vehicles on or within 300 metres of forested land must have a “spark arrestor installed,” the government says, adding it’s a good idea to check the condition of the muffler, and always stay on dirt paths.

All smoking materials must also be disposed of properly, making sure they’re completely extinguished.

The cautions come as B.C. sees its worst wildfire season on record, in terms of area burned. The province has seen more than 1.5 million hectares scorched since the beginning of the fire season, with August expected to be the warmest and driest month of the year.

The province says that since April 1, more than 1,576 wildfires have ignited, with the majority of those in the Prince George Fire Centre.

Of these, 24 per cent have been determined to be human-caused, and therefore preventable, the province says.

Providing an update Wednesday, B.C.’s forestry minister, Bruce Ralston, said August tends to be the most active month for wildfires in the province, and second-most active for lightning strikes, after July.

“Our experts at the BC Wildfire Service will be monitoring closely for potential lightning in the forecast. And I want to thank all British Columbians who are doing their part to prevent human-caused fires and reduce wildfire risks,” he said.

“This month also represents the fourth consecutive month of elevated wildfire activity and an aggressive start to the wildfire season. And surge fires in the spring has meant steady work for wildfire crews and support personnel since May.”