Provincewide Campfire Ban Joins Open Burning Bans as the Worst Start to a Wildfire Season in Decades Continues

Of the over 400 active wildfires nationwide, 83 are currently burning in BC in what has been the worst start to the fire season in decades.

Wildfires have already burned nearly 460,000 hectares provincewide, compared to just 44,000 by that point over the past six years combined.

But, with roughly 85 percent of the snowpack already melted, and the lightning season just getting started, the worst may be yet to come.

Drought conditions are expected to persist through June, with the little rain in the forecast predicted to bring thundershowers with it.

As a result, Category 2 and 3 fires, as well as campfires, have been banned across the province.

Fire danger ratings have also been set to high for inland and coastal sections of the North Coast, and jump to extreme in the Nechako.

Meanwhile, residents of Tumbler Ridge have been put under evacuation order as the West Kiskatinaw River fire continues to grow closer.

Now covering 23,000 hectares, the blaze is inching closer to the 4,500 hectare Pavine Creek fire at the Alberta border.

Those under evacuation orders can find more information at this link.