Dry May leads to increased fire danger

A dry month of May for much of British Columbia could lead to increased fire danger this summer.

With the unseasonably dry conditions, the BC Wildfire Service is encouraging members of the public to exercise caution with any campfires and outdoor burning.

“The month of May was significantly drier than normal for the southern half of British Columbia. Many southern regions received less than 40% of their normal precipitation. Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops are of particular concern, receiving 20% or less of their normal rainfall,” reads the release.

“Despite the dry conditions in the south, the amount and average size of wildfires have been relatively low when compared to historical data,” continues the release.

Since April 1st, B.C. has detected 284 wildfires resulting in 2,198 hectares burned, which is slightly above average in terms of numbers of fires but below average in terms of area burned. Over 90% of wildfires this season have been attributed to human activity.

“If current trends continue, B.C. can expect an above average fire season within the south and one that is in line with historic norms for the north,” stats the release.

“The amount of precipitation received in June typically determines the severity of the fire season for much of B.C. If the current weather trends continue, we can expect both the frequency and size of fires to increase as grass and other fine fuels start to ‘cure’ or dry out,” continued the report.

“While current suppression tactics are successfully holding most wildfires to small sizes, we can expect these tactics to be challenged and fire size to increase if current weather trends continue,” concludes the release.