Rainy forecast bodes well for the Nicola Valley as British Columbia combats early Wildfire season

MERRITT – As British Columbia faces its first wildfire evacuation of the year, Merritt will be getting lots of much needed rain this week.

For the Nicola Valley a rainy forecast is exactly what the doctor ordered as locals can expect rainfall well into the latter stages of April (2024.)

Merritt was lucky last year as most fires happened nearby but not within the City’s limits.

With potential heat records set to fall again in 2024, the precipitation gives the Nicola Valley a break from dry conditions as the City also deals with Water Restrictions.

The rain will also support plant life throughout a region well known for it’s dry conditions.

Credit Weather Network | Q101 News

Meanwhile the BC Green Party is calling on the BC NDP to immediately ban open burning and campfires.

“Last night, the Peace River Regional District declared a state of local emergency and issued an evacuation order near Chetwynd. Immediate action is required.

“Alberta has already implemented fire restrictions in response to similar risks,” said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the BC Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley.

“The wildfire season is starting earlier each year.”

“Following a dry winter with low precipitation and a rapidly disappearing snowpack, we are sitting on a tinderbox”.

“Without significant rainfall, the risk remains high. Given the ongoing drought and dry conditions, implementing a fire ban is a sensible and necessary measure to mitigate the risk of wildfires, especially those caused by human activities.”

The call for a ban comes after Peace River Regional District declared a state of local emergency and issued an evacuation order near Chetwynd, which has since been downgraded to an alert.

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