Abandoned campfires, hot temperatures worry fire officials in West Kootenay-Boundary
By Nelson Daily Staff
There were 98 abandoned campfires found by fire wardens over the last week.
That is a figure that worries the Southeast Fire Centre officials as above-normal temperatures across the West Kootenay-Boundary continue to stay settled in, and precipitation continues to become scarce.
A rare weather occurrence in the Southeast has many areas in higher elevations experiencing similar or, in some cases, even hotter and drier conditions to those in valley bottoms. With lightning and hot, dry conditions anticipated, it is critical that the public remains vigilant.
“Although the fire season in the Southeast to this point has been slow, burning conditions are ramping up and the fire season is definitely not over. I’m urging hunters and recreationalists to be vigilant while in the backcountry,” said Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson.
Abandoned campfires can and do start wildfires. So far this season, nine campfires have escaped and caused wildfires.
The fire danger rating is currently high with pockets of extreme in the Boundary Fire Zone, low to moderate in the Columbia Fire Zone and high throughout all other zones including Nelson and the Slocan Valley.
Since April 1, the Southeast Fire Centre has responded to 108 wildfires. Forty-nine of those fires were person-caused.
Leaving a campfire unattended can result in a $345 fine. If your campfire causes a wildfire, you may also be held liable for suppression costs and damages.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellphone or toll-free to 1 800 663-5555.
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