Local fire departments are acutely aware of the threat of fire around the region, especially in light of recent blazes in Saanich and Kelowna.

"We're on a heightened level of awareness, I'd say," said Oak Bay fire prevention officer, Capt. Ken Gill. "With it being so tinder dry, any minor event can escalate into a really serious situation."

One such event saw a golf course greens crew member forced to extinguish a small fire after his mower blade caused a spark that ignited a section of dry grass.

In general, Oak Bay fire crews are keeping watch over grassy, wooded areas such as Uplands Park and other places with walking trails, Gill said.

While local residents are diligent in informing the department about potential blazes, he said, the key is still to catch fires before they grow.

"We're lucky that we've been able to mitigate these situations in a minor phase. We encourage people that if (they) see something, call us."

Elsewhere in the region, Saanich firefighters have battled a series of blazes this month, including a wildfire between Hector Road and Prospect Lake.

Langford Fire Chief Bob Beckett, whose department put on a fire prevention workshop for residents on Triangle Mountain last week, put an interesting spin on the current situation.

"We're in extreme conditions right now. The forecast is very promising for vacationers, but not very promising for fire service," he said.

Victoria Deputy Chief Paul Bruce said the city isn't threatened like Langford or Saanich, because it doesn't have the same number of undeveloped open spaces.

But his department is ready to assist bordering municipalities if necessary.

Bruce said beach fires are the biggest concern in Victoria. His crews douse flames nightly on Dallas Road. "Due to the dry weather and the quick spread of fire ... that could potentially jeopardize that whole area."

Beach fires are banned anywhere around the Capital Region right now. Those who start them range from young people unaware of the laws or homeless people trying to cook or stay warm, to people who just want to add ambience to their summer evening, said Bruce and Gill.

Hot temperatures this week haven't helped the risk of fire. The region has averaged over 25 C this month, but this week alone the mercury has risen past 30. A total of just 11 mm of rain has fallen so far, well off the historical average for July of about 23 mm.

Gill reiterated that fire crews remain on the alert, even in urban areas.

"In our business its not if, it's when, but I guess that's the nature of the beast."

– with files from Lisa Weighton

editor@oakbaynews.com

Be fire safe

*Cut down long grass around your home

*Keep area around your home clear of debris

*Store firewood away from buildings

*Completely put out cigarettes before you throw them away