WATCH: As Metro Vancouver fire departments take calls on the smoky haze, the urban fire risk is also worsening. Rumina Daya explains.
With tinder-dry conditions across much of B.C., authorities are warning the public to be extra careful when it comes to fire safety.
Campfire bans have now been implemented across the province. People are also being asked to be extra careful when discarding cigarette butts.
On Monday, firefighters with the Vancouver Fire Department demonstrated to a Global News crew just how quickly an improperly discarded cigarette can spark a fire.
Just last week, four separate brush fires in West Vancouver were started in as many hours. Crews say they were all likely caused by discarded cigarettes.
Fire officials are reminding the public to ensure that cigarette butts are properly extinguished before being discarded.
There are currently 184 active fires being fought across B.C. with nine evacuation alerts and orders currently in effect, impacting over 800 homes.
Twenty-seven new fires started in B.C. on Sunday alone.
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