By Spencer Sterritt

Vancouver Island spared 30 per cent less wildfires than expected

Aug 1, 2017 | 11:10 AM

NANAIMO — As intense heat blankets Vancouver Island, fire officials are pleased to say there’s been a signficant decrease in the number of wildfires in the area.

Donna MacPherson, fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre, told NanaimoNewsNOW 61 fire starts were discovered and put out since the beginning of wildfire season. They’d expected roughly 90 by this time this summer.

“We’re asking everyone to keep it up, we really don’t need any more fires on the coast,” she said. “We’re also finding less people calling about  campfires, so we’re optimistic the reason people aren’t calling in illegal campfires is because people aren’t having them.”

MacPherson said it’s important for people to remain vigilant as extreme heat hits the Nanaimo region, with temperatures expected to top 30 C.

As well, smoke from the wildfires in the Interior is headed to the Island, brought by a “rare” reverse wind.

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“We’re going to get even more drying in the next few days, so we’re asking people to be really careful if they’re going out into the forest,” MacPherson said. With so much dry fire fuel around, she said any new fires will spread quickly and be able to dig through the underbrush, making them very difficult to fight. 

To combat the heat, Island Health recommends everyone drink plenty of water, wear loose-fitting and light clothing, as well as avoid any intense activity during peak daytime hours.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit