The Mt. Hayes wildfire from Aug. 2021 luckily did not directly threaten many buildings, however it grew rapidly in late August courtesy of record heat and drought conditions in the months and weeks prior. (submitted photo/Jakob Mayfield)

By Jordan Davidson

bone dry

Continued tinder-dry conditions prompting water conservation efforts from local fire departments

Oct 13, 2022 | 6:12 AM

NANAIMO — Tinder dry conditions are helping put a familiar fire prevention message more into focus.

Fire Prevention Week runs Oct. 9 to 15 across B.C., an annual reminder to be aware and have a plan in place in the event your home catches fire.

Fire prevention officer from the Errington Volunteer Fire Department Steve Ternes said despite these bone-dry conditions, they haven’t encountered a significant increase in grass or bush fires in their coverage area.

“I think people are heading the warnings we’ve given for all the burning bans. I know campfires are allowed right now, but everyone still seems to be staying away from those. They realize how dry it is out there.”

Drought levels persist through a vast majority of the region with the Regional District of Nanaimo implementing stage 4 watering restrictions a week ago.

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Ternes said in normal years burning restrictions and almost completely lifted by the third week of October, but they remain in place this year.

While the drought conditions increase the risk of a small outside fire rapidly spreading, some Island departments are also having issues with a lack of water.

Ternes said their wells are running a little low forcing them to conserve water and use other techniques when they can.

“We use CAFS, which is compressed air foam, and we’re actually the only department in the district that has that. That really helps us conserve water and knock down fires. I find it a little easier than just straight water.”

The theme this year for the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week is emphasizing the importance of planning and practicing an escape route from your home if a fire breaks out.

Ternes said it doesn’t take long for a fire to spread in a home, especially with newer construction materials using more glue and chemicals which can cause smoke-related injuries.

“Especially once the alarms go off in your house you don’t know what stage the fire is at, so it’s important to have something in place that you can practice with a family so you can get out quickly.”

Some municipalities, like the Town of Ladysmith, have put a hold on issuing permits for fireworks, a popular activity around Halloween.

They said the ban will be in place until at least Oct. 28, the date in which the fire ban put in place by the Coastal Fire Centre is set to expire, or whenever the order is rescinded.

A prohibition on lighting off fireworks without a permit issued by Nanaimo Fire Rescue has been in place in the city since 2007.

There have been a number of fires in wooded areas in Nanaimo this fall that have been quickly stamped out before they were able to spread any further as the rain continues to elude us.

A small brush fire along the Nanaimo River on Sep. 8 was doused thanks to the help of a pair of water bombing helicopters due to the remote location, and a homeless encampment fire in a wooded area behind the Nanaimo Ice Centre was quickly put out a few days later.

There is still no moisture in the forecast for Nanaimo.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow