‘Remain vigilant, be prepared’: B.C. warns of increased wildfire risk this weekend ahead of summer

As much of B.C. heads into a period of above-seasonal temperatures with continued dry weather, the provincial government is warning of an increased risk of wildfires this coming spring and summer, but especially this weekend.

Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bowinn Ma said Thursday that as some parts of the province are expecting temperatures up to 30 degrees this weekend, wildfire activity will be particularly present in the northeast.

“As we approach wildfire season, now is the time to make sure your home or your tenants insurance policy is current and that you understand its coverage,” Ma explained. “Wildfire insurance is widely available across British Columbia but we have heard from people that it can be difficult to find coverage once a wildfire is in the area and that’s why it is important that you check your coverage now.”

The government’s update comes after the federal government gave a dire warning Thursday morning, that much of western Canada is predicted to be a wildfire hotspot this coming summer season.

In an update Thursday, the federal Ministry of Public Safety explained that the expected weather conditions in the coming months will “lead to greater wildfire risks.” As of May 9, there were 87 active wildfires burning across Canada, with 38 of those in Alberta alone. Twenty-two are in B.C., with a further nine in Manitoba.

Due to the lack of rain, the wildfire risk for western Canada is slated to increase rapidly between May and June, Environment and Climate Change Canada shared.

Ma said the province is aware it is at the “centre of climate-related emergencies,” and the government is committed to doing everything it can to keep people safe.

“Looking ahead to this wildfire season we are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. We are in this together and the province is here to support you,” she said.

“Over the coming months, the weather is going to get warmer and wildfire hazard will increase. I encourage everyone to please take the time and build an emergency plan today. Go to PreparedBC.ca Emergency Ready to build your emergency plan.

“Hopefully, you won’t need it. But if you do, you’ll be glad that you have it.”

Province sending more BC Wildfire resources to northeast ahead of warm, blustery conditions

Bruce Ralston, minister of forests said Thursday that with the many active wildfires already going in the province, the numbers are likely to grow with the warm weather expected this weekend.

“Weather models show a dry cold front sweeping across the far northern reaches of British Columbia sometime Friday evening. This could lead to particularly blustery conditions in the Fort Nelson area,” he explained.

“We’ve dispatched an incident management team so the BC Wildfire Service can establish a command center in the region, and we’re preparing air and ground resources helicopters, air tankers, unit crews, and initial attack crews are being brought in early to add to existing regional resources.”

Ralston is urging people near Fort Nelson to “remain vigilant” and stay connected to local authorities — municipal and First Nations — over the next 24 to 48 hours.

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“While the season will be shaped by how much rain British Columbia receives this month, and next month in June, it’s likely to be another challenging wildfire season,” Ralston shared.

Open burning bans are in place in the Prince George Fire Center, Caribou Fire Center, Kamloops Fire Center, and parts of the Northwest Fire Center. Ralston says everyone should be checking for fire bans before any activity “that could cause a wildfire.”

Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen shared Thursday that as of May 9, the province’s snowpack levels are 66 per cent of normal — showing an increased potential for continued drought this summer.

“Overall, B.C. continues to get less rain and snow than usual and that’s having a lasting impact on water levels right across the province. We experienced severe drought last year and remain at high risk going into the season,” he explained.

Cullen urged British Columbians to conserve water, saying we all have a role to play in saving water, and to “respect water restrictions.”

“I encourage people to know the rules and most importantly follow the local rules that are in place.”

Updated app helps to prepare for emergencies

Meanwhile, the government said Thursday that it is launching “new-and-improved tools” to help people in B.C. prepare for emergencies, including wildfires, droughts, floods, and earthquakes.

The government says the new Emergency Ready Planner is able to help British Columbians create a personalized emergency and evacuation plan.

The province says it has also made updates to the BC Wildfire Service app, which include more up to date wildfire and fire ban information, and it has also updated the Drought Information Portal with extra information about drought levels and watershed conditions.

“The Emergency Ready Planner makes it faster and easier to create an emergency and evacuation plan that is tailored to household needs and local hazard risks. The planner helps people identify emergency meeting places; list important contacts, medical and insurance information; recommends supplies for emergency kits and grab-and-go bags; and includes FireSmart steps to protect homes from wildfire,” the province explained in a statement.

“When wildfires happen near communities, people want up-to-date information. Improvements to the BC Wildfire Service app make it easier for people to get the latest information on mobile devices, tablets and computers. The wildfire dashboard has more features, including a provincial situation report and easier access to fire ban information. People are able to submit fire reports when out of cell service range. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.”