Fire season arrives early in Okanagan

KELOWNA, B.C. – The Okanagan Valley is reporting moderate fire danger, marking an early arrival of wildfire season.

“We’re seeing very significant activity early in the season combined with lower elevation drying,” said B.C. Forests Minister Steve Thomson. “This season has started three weeks earlier than normal. Last year, it was mid-May.”

The Canadian Forest Service is forecasting a dryer and warmer than normal summer, according to Forest Protection Officer Randy Burgess.

“It’s fairly dry this year, though, there’s no question there,” said Burgess at his Penticton office Tuesday, where the relative humidity was reportedly 12 per cent.

The Province of B.C. has a $63-million budget to fight wildfires.

As this year is said to be comparable to last year for wildfire risk, according to Thomson, the province is preparing to spend its budget again.

For the 2014/2015 season, B.C. spent $298 million, according to the finance minister. By the end of 2015, another $287 million was spent, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.

The most expensive year for fighting fires in B.C. was 2009/2010 when the province spent $382 million.

Thomson is appealing for caution.

“Really sending that message to the public that they need to obey the regulations, they need to obey the restrictions that are put in place,” said Thomson. “We really need everybody’s collective responsible efforts in dealing with the season as it comes forward on us.”