19 fires doused in area during past week and a half; all of them were caused by humans

NEWS — The Kamloops Fire Centre has been a busy place during the past week and a half.

Since April 1 Wildfire Management Branch crews have responded to 19 fires within the fire centre’s area. All of them were human-caused, with most of them attributable to escaped grass fires or careless debris pile burning, said information officer Kayla Pepper.

As the snow melts, dead grasses can dry out quickly due to increased temperatures and wind, she said. Anyone doing outdoor burning should pay attention to changing weather conditions and follow all burning regulations in order to reduce the number of preventable fires.

Pepper said while FireSmart clearing and burning activities are encouraged this time of year to mitigate interface wildfire risks, backyard burning has to be done safely.

Homeowners and industry personnel are being encouraged to visit the Wildfire Management Branch website – www.bcwildfire.ca/Prevention – consult the B.C. FireSmart manual and take the following precautions:

• Ensure that enough people, water and tools are on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping.
• Do not burn during windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires.
• Create a fireguard at least one metre around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material.
• If you are planning a large burn, consider conducting smaller burns around the perimeter beforehand to create a fuel break and help stop the fire from spreading beyond its intended size. Each of these fires should be kept small and must be completely extinguished before starting a new fire.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure that your fire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before you leave the area.

Pepper said that before conducting a burn, people should check with their local fire department, municipality and regional district to see if any open burning restrictions or bylaws are in effect.

If you are planning to do any large-scale industrial burning or conduct a grass burn over 0.2 hectares (Category 3 fires), you must obtain a burn registration number ahead of time by calling 1 888 797-1717.

“Always check the venting conditions before conducting an open burn. If venting conditions are rated “Poor” or “Fair,” open burning is restricted.

The venting index can be found at: http://www.bcairquality.ca/readings/ventilation-index.html.

In British Columbia, the Wildfire Act specifies a person’s legal obligations when using fire in or within a kilometre of forest land or grassland. If an outdoor burn escapes and causes a wildfire, the person responsible may be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs.

Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.

If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

If you see flames or smoke, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on your cellphone.