B.C. Wildfire Service ready for heat wave in southern Interior | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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B.C. Wildfire Service ready for heat wave in southern Interior

B.C. Wildfire Service is prepared for the heat as temperatures soar in the Thompson-Okanagan.
Image Credit: FILE PHOTO

B.C. Wildfire Service is prepared for the heat as temperatures soar in the Thompson-Okanagan.

The Kamloops Fire Centre is a "moderate to high-risk" for wildfires with bans on open burning, but further prohibitions are not on the table yet.

Fire information officer Taylor MacDonald says the vast majority of wildfires in the region this year are suspected to have been human-caused and the wildfire service continues to "have conversations" about if and when further fire bans could be implemented.

READ MORE: What exactly is a 'human-caused' wildfire?

Much of the province is now under a heat warning from Environment Canada, conditions which MacDonald said their firefighters are prepared for.

"During these periods of severe heat, we recommend frequent rest cycles to our crews. We also have first aid plans in place," she said.

The Kamloops Fire Centre has seen significantly less precipitation than normal, MacDonald said, and is highly susceptible for wildfires to start and spread quickly.

"I want to remind everyone to be safe with their fires in the region. Currently, campfire bans aren't in effect, but make sure they are small, safe and not ignited in windy conditions," MacDonald said.

READ MORE: 'Dangerous long duration heatwave' on its way, Environment Canada warns

According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, there are four active wildfires in the Kamloops region, the largest is the 350 hectare George Road wildfire south of Lytton.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre are reminding people to be prepared in the case of an evacuation.

"While our region has not experienced serious wildfires or flooding over the past couple of years, it doesn't mean we can become complacent," a release from the emergency operation centre reads.

In an emergency, evacuations orders can come quickly.

"Having grab-and-go kits for your family and pets at home and in your vehicle can help ensure you have the basic supplies and essential items needed to survive at least 72 hours away from your home," regional emergency program coordinator Sandra Follack said in the release.

Go here to find more information on how to be prepared for emergencies from the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Levi Landry or call 250-819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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