Majority of Fires Sparked in Southeast B.C. Were Human-Caused

A staggering 87 per cent of fires sparked in the Southeast Fire Centre district were preventable.

Since April 1st, the Wildfire Management Branch has responded to 39 wildfires, 34 of which were human-caused and therefore preventable.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com.

In light of the numbers, the provincial government is reminding residents to remain vigilant when riding recreational vehicles or operating farm, lawn, and silviculture equipment, particularly when there is a heightened risk for wildfires.

Moreover, residents are advised to have a fire management plan in place should a wildfire spark.

All-terrain vehicles produce an enormous amount of heat and their exhaust systems can easily ignite grass or brush. For this reason, ATVs should not be parked on grass or other areas where hot parts of the machine are close to combustible materials.

Equipment can also cause fires by coming into contact with rocks or other spark-producing materials.

Lastly, the Wildfire Management Branch reminds the public that smoking materials, such as cigarette butts, cannot be thrown out of vehicles as they could easily spark a wildfire.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1-800-663-5555.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures, and air quality advisories, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website.

The Southeast Fire Centre District covers everywhere from Columbia down to Cranbrook, and over to Boundary.