Wildfire season heats up
By Roxanna Maron - Summerland Review
Published: July 02, 2008 6:00 PM
o Crews attend fire near Kelowna
Despite what seemed to be a lot of moisture this spring, forest fire officials are warning that it doesn’t take much for the fire season to heat up.
Dale Bojahra, fire information officer for the Penticton Fire Zone, says early Monday morning proves how fast a fire can start and take off. Crews began battling a fire southeast of Kelowna at Gillard Creek, located on the backside of South Okanagan Mountain Park.
As of Monday the fire was three hectares. Lightning is suspected to be the cause.
Bojahra says the fire is expected to keep crews busy for a while.
“It’s going to be a bit of a stubborn one,” he notes.
He adds that a second fire just north of the one at Gillard Creek, was also active, but quite smaller.
Prior to the weekend, Bojahra says there had been 10 fires reported since their season began in April. However, he cautions that with summer here, the temperatures can rise quite quickly as they did on the weekend. This increases the chances of a fire starting and spreading.
“Being in the Okanagan we can expect things to dry out pretty rapidly,” he notes. “It only takes two thirds of a day to negate a half millimeter of rain.”
Of the 10 fires reported prior to the weekend, two were caused by lightning, and eight were human caused.
Bojahra says the fire wardens are out in full force now and will be patrolling many of the popular spots for camping.
He notes that their approach is multi-pronged. They are out educating people on fire safety and are also looking for unattended campfires.
Bojahra says it is important that those setting up camp in the back country and at designated campsites should make sure they are setting their campfire up in a fuel free area, they have a hand tool with them and a bucket of water on site. In addition, people should be attending their campfires at all times.
Bojahra says the public plays a key role in fire protection.
“People have a duty to report a forest fire,” he adds.
To report a forest fire, call 1-800-663-5555. On cellular telephones dial *5555. For more information about fires in our area check out www.bcwildfire.ca.
