Impact of lightning forest fire
Photo: Rodney Saigeon
(Archive photo)
Severe storm monitoring has just been lifted in Okanagan, and with a few hot days in the valley through Tuesday, BC’s forest fire service is urging residents to be alert.
“It’s a good time to remember for British Colombians who are our eyes and ears on the ground. Especially with the warmer weather we saw earlier in the week, it’s good to be very careful, especially when the weekend is long. go out and enjoy these recreational activities. “
“We must remember to properly dispose of cigarettes, be careful with the escape of vehicles and fireworks. All this can easily cause a forest fire, so it is important that people are careful with the dry weather we have had.” , said fire intelligence officer Shaelee Stearns. .
Kamloops Fire Center currently has a low to moderate fire risk.
Stearns says this year, BC Wildfire has responded to 61 wildfires at the Kamloops fire center with 100 acres burned since April 1st.
Whenever there is lightning in the forecast, BC Wildfire says it watches it very closely.
“In general, most forest fires start with lightning. When lightning strikes it can release enough fuel to ignite a tree or other fuels on the ground. Although they cannot be prevented, we can predict where they may start.”
BC Wildfire says there is potential for waste strikes.
“When lightning strikes, it may not light up immediately. It can last for weeks or even a longer period of time so we can see when we have more of that dry weather for the place where it hit and where it has been burning. “underground, but not as a surface fire, it can ignite and then rise to a forest fire at that time,” Stearns added.
To report a forest fire, call 1 800 663-5555 or * 5555 on a mobile phone.
Photo: BCWS