If you go out in the woods today, be careful and keep your eyes open.
It91裸聊视频檚 going to be a long, hot weekend and with the already high to extreme wildfire risk, Wildfire BC officials and local backcountry user groups are asking everyone to be extra vigilant in the backcountry, at home and on the roads.
Kamloops Fire Centre Fire Information Officer Max Birkner says that while officials have considered closing the backcountry, there are benefits to having eyes in the forest.
But he says with grasslands and brush so dry, ATVs should stay on the trails and not be parked in grass or brush when hot.
Those driving campers, RVs or other vehicles with chains need to make sure they91裸聊视频檙e not dragging on the road, and at home, people should be equally cautious when using grinders, welding or even mowing the lawn.
91裸聊视频淎void any activity that generates heat and could cause sparks,91裸聊视频� he says.
Outdoor enthusiasts also need to remember that campfires are strictly prohibited at this time and will result in stiff fines for those who do not comply.
Propane fire rings are permitted as long as they are CSA-approved and the flame does not go higher than 15 centimetres.
Smoke blanketing the region earlier in the week was emanating from Washington State and the Elephant Hill fire which caused the evacuation of Clinton. It was expected to clear by the weekend, allowing for even higher temperatures.
Discovered on July 20, the Angle Mountain wildfire above St. Ives continues to be held to eight hectares.
As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, 28 firefighters were working on the ground with air support available if needed.
91裸聊视频淭he very key point here is the steep terrain, which is making fighting the fire very difficult,91裸聊视频� said Birkner. 91裸聊视频淭his type of fire can take a very long time to contain because of the steep terrain.91裸聊视频�
Also suspected to be lightning-caused, the Mt. Chase fire remains at eight hectares and is under control, says Birkner, noting patrols will keep an eye on the fire, which is remote and not threatening any structures.
91裸聊视频淭hey really hit it hard at the beginning and due to the early action, they got it under control very quickly,91裸聊视频� he said, pointing out with the number of aircraft flying around the area, there will be many eyes on the fire. 91裸聊视频淪moke might flare up a bit in the afternoon, as it always does.91裸聊视频�
The Shuswap Trail Alliance warns that all trails in the Shuswap are within the extreme fire rating area, and asks that backcountry users obey all trail closures. Meanwhile, Salmon Arm ATV Club president Allen Walker says he is staying out of the backcountry for the time being.
91裸聊视频淚 just know that officially, the bush is not shut down, but they are discouraging people from going out91裸聊视频�,91裸聊视频� said Walker. 91裸聊视频淚 personally haven91裸聊视频檛 been out. I just couldn91裸聊视频檛 live with myself if something bad happened.91裸聊视频�
And steer clear of areas where firefighters are working.
In a July 29 Facebook post, the BC Wildfire Service noted there had been multiple incidents in just two days of firefighting having to be halted because of interference from the public involving off-road vehicles entering an active fire area or forcing helicopters to stop dropping water on the fire.
In the Shuswap, interference relates to boaters getting in the way of skimmers and helicopters who are taking on water to fight fires in steep terrain.
91裸聊视频淭he Shuswap is busy in summer and the lake is big,91裸聊视频� said fire information officer Rachel Witt. 91裸聊视频淲e do understand that everyone has a cellphone and wants to get photos and videos, but make sure you move out of the way and let the pilots do their job. If there is any threat to safety of crews or aircraft, we can91裸聊视频檛 work.91裸聊视频�
According to the Facebook post, RCMP and conservation officers will be increasing their patrols in areas where interference with firefighting operations is occurring.
On the good news front, with many evacuees returning to Williams Lake, Columbia Shuswap Regional District91裸聊视频檚 Shuswap Emergency Program has closed the emergency social services reception centre. The reception centre opened on Sunday, July 16 and served 843 evacuees. If the need arises, the centre can be ramped up again quickly.
If anyone spots smoke or people disregarding the campfire ban should call *5555 on their cell phones or 1-800-663-5555 on a landline.
