May 11, 2016
BC Wildfire Service, Coastal Fire Centre
Special fire weather advisory for the Coastal Fire Centre
The Coastal Fire Centre, BC Wildfire Service is advising all forest industry stakeholders that forest fuels in the south-western part of British Columbia are drying rapidly due to unseasonably warm spring weather. Anticipated dry forest and range fuels combined with unseasonable weather are leading to potentially elevated burning conditions. Weather forecasts have indicated the continuation of predominantly dry conditions throughout the spring.
Within the last week, the Coastal Fire Centre has seen a steady increase in human caused wild fires including those suspected to be caused from industrial activities.
It would be prudent to ensure that high risk activities are determining danger class by utilization a representative weather station for your worksite. Further, you are reminded to ensure that you have adequate equipment and personnel available to ensure compliance with the Wildfire Act and Regulation. Also, it may be advisable to check any previous burn sites to confirm they are completely extinguished, and that any ongoing burning operations continue to be in compliance with the Wildfire Act and Wildfire Regulation. Details of your obligations can be found at our web site at BCWildfire.ca/LegReg.
Caution should be exercised in any forest operations. Please review your business areas and procedures, and ensure adequate protocols are place to prevent the start of wildfires.
The Coastal Fire Centre appreciates the coastal logging community’s continued cooperation and efforts at fire prevention and reporting.
To report a wildfire, please call directly to the Coastal Fire Centre Dispatch Centre Emergency Line at 250-951-4200, or alternately to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on cellular networks.
Contact: Clint Parker, Senior Forest Protection Officer, Prevention, 250 951-4218