‘A little bit of a heightened risk:’ shifting winds poised to dry out coastal B.C.

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They’re advising extra caution around the use of fire through the weekend, including category one campfires, category two backyard burns, and larger, category three industrial burns.

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No formal prohibitions are in place from the Coastal Fire Centre, however extra precautions are advised.

Anyone lighting up is required to follow any restrictions in place by the relevant local government, including the City of Nanaimo and Regional District of Nanaimo.

“We’re still in spring, and our indices have not reached the point where we need to consider any prohibitions at this time. However, when we do see a bit of a shift and change in conditions like we’re seeing right now, we just want to ensure that all of our partners and the public understand that there’s a little bit of a heightened risk right now, and we want people to be cautious before they light any fire.”

The “heightened risk” is not yet indicative of a difficult fire season, Caranci told NanaimoNewsNOW.

While lower-than-normal snow packs persist on Vancouver Island, and the region overall continues with a rainfall deficit, the severity of wildfire season on the coast will be determined by the next two months.

“We could easily move into, next week or the week after, a more rainy period. The great indicator of what type of a fire season we’re going to have is the amount of rain we will receive from now until the end of June.”

Approximately 215 firefighters and support personnel will be on staff with the Coastal Fire Centre come the middle of next month, once the final round of seasonal recalls occurs.

Twenty-six initial attack crews will be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to reported wildfires, while five 22-person unit crews are also at the Centre’s disposal.

Anyone who spots a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation should contact the BC Wildfire Service at 1 800 663 5555 or *5555 on a cell phone.

The BC Wildfire Service app is also available for electronic reporting and monitoring of current fire conditions province-wide.

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