B.C. bracing for more wildfire activity in the coming days, says BCWS

The BC Wildfire Service is bracing for more wildfire activity in the coming days as it continues to fight fires that have destroyed several structures.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) says it is bracing for more wildfire activity in the coming days as it continues to fight fires that have destroyed several structures. Officials provided an update on the wildfire situation and drought conditions across the province Tuesday, sharing what is expected to come next. Related: BC Wildfire Service makes progress on Fraser Canyon blazes, asks public to obey restrictions “Currently, there are eight evacuation orders in place throughout the province due to wildfires,” said B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene.

“Seven of those are related to the Brunswick wildfire complex near Boston Bar.” Randene Niell, minister of water, land, and resource stewardship, says the summer’s forecast continues to show elevated drought conditions across much of the province. Open Gallery 6 items “Some areas continue to experience very low stream flows, particularly in parts of Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland and the southern Interior, particularly in the Okanagan,” Niell said.

“We are asking everyone to take voluntary action now to conserve water.” While minimizing water use is only a suggestion for now, a fire ban, coming into effect Tuesday, will be enforced. “Category 1, 2, 3 open fires will be prohibited across much of the Coastal Fire Centre,” Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar said.

The fire ban applies to the Lower Mainland, Sea-to-Sky corridor, most of Vancouver Island, the Central Coast, and Haida Gwaii. Related: Campfire ban for B.C.’s South Coast takes effect Thursday The only exceptions are for the North Island and the Sunshine Coast.

The order will be in place until Oct. 31. In addition, the province is reminding residents near active wildfires to stay clear of the blazes. “If you interfere with wildfire operations, you are part of the problem,” Parmar said.

“It’s reckless, it’s illegal, and frankly, it’s stupid.” The same applies to recreational boating, he says. “If you see aircraft working on a lake, stay clear,” he said.

“The fastest way to stop a wildfire is to let the professionals do their work.” There is a high potential for dry lightning over the next few days, officials say, which can increase the risk of wildfires starting and spreading. The BCWS says it is preparing for those conditions.