Despite dry & hot June, forest fire threat held in check for now

A dip in temperatures throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, favourable humidity levels and potentially more rain are expected through mid-June, Bellion said.

The B.C. Wildfire Service fire danger rating has altered drastically recently, with the regional threat primarily listed as low after hovering between high and extreme.

A vastly improved wildfire threat situation in the province, as of of the afternoon of Thursday, July 2. (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service)

However, she noted conditions can switch abruptly, with the potential of increased lightning-caused fires being a potential concern.

Bellion said the Coastal Fire Centre is fully staffed with upwards of 214 crew and support personnel in place since May.

As of July 2, 96 fires have burned 172 hectares of land in the Coastal Fire Centre since April 1, compared to 48 fires scorching 110 hectares over the past period last year, Bellion noted.

The 10-year regional average for the first three months of the fire season is 59 fires and 244 hectares burned in the Coastal Fire Centre.

“We’re seeing more incidents and less hectares burned,” Bellion said. “We’re having great success with initial attacks in getting those ignitions extinguished as soon as our staff can.”

Wildfires, unattended campfires or open burning violations can be reported to 1-800-663-5555, or *5555 on your cell phone.

Bellion recommended downloading the latest version of the BC Wildfire Service app.

Currently, campfires are permitted throughout the Coastal Fire Centre zone, however larger category two and three fires are banned.

Chole Katsademas, Environment Canada meteorologist, said the mean temperature in Nanaimo was 17 degrees, about 1.5 degrees warmer than usual.

“There were a lot of hot days in June,” Katsademas said.

The mercury hit 33.2 degrees in Nanaimo on Sunday, June 14, followed by 32.2 degrees on Tuesday, June 13, both representing new daytime daily highs.

Katsademas noted only about 41 per cent of the typical amount of rain fell on the mid-Island last month. “About 17 millimetres (of precipitation) throughout the whole month, and the standard is about 43 millimetres, so definitely a drier month than normal.”

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by Ian Holmes

Despite dry & hot June, forest fire threat held in check for now

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