Early start to fire season in B.C. interior

It’s only mid-april and the wildfire season is already off to a hot start throughout the Kamukku Fire Center. Though since April first, we’ve had 11 fires to date. Ten of those which are suspected human caused and are under investigation. The bulk of those fires occurring over the weekend. Since Friday is actually April 19th, we’ve had eight fire starts at the Kamloops Fire Center. A number of those are already out or under control, and then we still have 3 wildfires that are currently classified as either being held or still out of control. The fire danger rating in the Kamloops Fire Center, which covers South Central BC, is low to moderate. But with this early start to a fire season, officials are saying and now is a good time to prepare for what’s to come. I have a plan. If a wildfire does affect you, your home or your family. Know what you’re going to do. Have a grab and go kit in place. Have worked these things out in advance. Also a great opportunity to double check your insurance policy and make sure that the coverage is there if you need it. And the most important step in preparing for the season. Being Firesmart. Look a little further away from your home, not first meter and a half around your home is very important. You should choose plants for example, that are fire resistant or move your wood pile or propane tanks away from your home. Conditions in the Thompson Okanogan remain dry and easily ignitable. So there continue to be those underlying drought conditions though throughout the Kamloops Fire Center, meaning that the fuels that we have are still easily susceptible to ignition and coupled with the wind like we saw yesterday as well those fires. Lead to potentially active fire behavior that we can see and that increased spread. There are currently 113 wildfires burning in the province. With 13 sparking in the last 24 hours. Victoria Familia. Global News.