Abandoned campfires and elevated fire risk have Kootenay-Boundary officials all fired up
By Nelson Daily Editor
Thirty six campfires were left unattended or abandoned by careless campers on the weekend, Southeast Fire Centre officials found.
A total of 245 campfire incidents have been reported in the Southeast Centre area, above the five-year average for this time of year at 171.
Considering the tinder dry conditions prevailing in the West Kootenay-Boundary region right now, the Southeast Fire Centre is urging caution to campers this week and on the Labour Day weekend.
An increased fire danger rating and chance of lightning are expected over the next few days. Currently, the fire danger rating is high to extreme in the Boundary, Arrow, Kootenay Lake, Invermere and Cranbrook zones.
As lightning becomes more common, it is crucial that crews are available to respond to naturally-occurring wildfires, said a press release from the Southeast Fire Centre.
“Person-caused wildfires divert critical resources away from managing these lightning-caused fires,” the release said.
Leaving a campfire unattended can result in a $345 fine. In addition, if a campfire escapes and causes a wildfire, the person who started the fire may be held liable for all resulting suppression costs and damages.
Since April 1, the Southeast area has had 99 wildfires, consuming a total of 43 hectares — with 55 of those fires caused by lightning.
- There are currently open burning restrictions within the Southeast Fire Centre’s jurisdiction. For more information on burn restrictions, visit http://bcwildfire.ca.
Comments