UPDATE: 2 p.m
BC has seen a dramatic reduction in wildfire activity this year due to above-average snowfall last winter, a cooler spring, a later onset of summer temperatures and lighter winds during the summer months.
So far, 1,355 wildfires have started in the province since April 1, below the 20-year average of 1,515. But the most significant statistic comes from the area burned so far: just 42,997 hectares. That’s about 17% of the province’s 20-year average for this time of year.
In a wildfire update across the province Thursday, Neal McLoughlin, superintendent of predictive services for the BC Wildfire Service, said crews have been successful in their initial response to new fires this summer.
“We had above-normal winter precipitation, cooler spring temperatures, a late snowmelt at higher elevations and an overall late start to the fire season,” McLoughlin said. “Overall, the weather pattern produced light winds and stable atmospheres, and these play an important role in limiting fire growth.
“In late August, we saw precipitation in southeastern BC, which limited the growth of active fires and also contributed to our initial attack success rates.”
Although conditions were generally favorable to limit fires in the province this summer, August saw significant lightning activity, with more than 98,000 strikes across the province. This is more than the 75,800 strikes in July. As a result, 75% of the fires started this year have been caused by lightning.
The most notable increase in lightning occurred in the second half of August, but since then this trend has been decreasing.
“BC is experiencing one of the lowest human-caused wildfire seasons since 1950, so we’re asking all British Columbians to keep up the great work you’ve been doing,” said Forests Minister Katrine Conroy.
Looking ahead to September, McLoughlin noted that the Pacific Ocean off the coast of BC is 3-5C above normal, which will lead to warmer than normal temperatures across the province. As the province moves into a more fall weather pattern, McLoughlin says stronger winds could be a concern when it comes to wildfires.
Areas in the southwest and northeast corners of the province are of most concern for wildfires through September if those regions don’t see much rain.
ORIGINAL: 12:55 p.m
BC Forests Minister Katrine Conroy and Neal McLoughlin, Superintendent of Predictive Services for the BC Wildfire Service, are providing an update on the wildfire situation in the province, along with a forecast for September.