CKPG File Image

By Caden Fanshaw

BCWS

BC Wildfire Service prepping for potentially challenging summer ahead

Jun 3, 2022 | 5:25 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Although the rain continues to fall in Prince George, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is preparing for what many fear will be another hot and dry summer ahead.

According to the latest models from BCWS forecasters, the wet weather will continue for the remainder of June for most of BC. Models identify late July as when the warm weather could end up more on the extreme side.

From April 1st until June 3rd there were only 13 wildfires in the Prince George Fire Centre, all of them believed to be human-caused.

Wildfires

Wildfire triggers evacuation of 'multiple neighbourhoods' in Fort Nelson, B.C.

3h ago

Manufactured home

Mobile home park tenants happy with new park rule

7h ago

CARIBOO COUGARS

Prince George's Connor Feeney taken by Calgary Hitmen in 2024 WHL Draft

7h ago

Homeowners are encouraged to FireSmart their properties while the time is right instead of waiting before it’s too late. Officials add eliminating brush and ground fuel could save your home in the event of a wildfire.

While fire crews are not out managing fires in BC, work continues to try and prevent large fires from happening through fuel management projects and prescribed burns.

As all of the preparations continue, they are happening in 2022 with a bigger budget than ever before according to the provincial government. BC Minister of Forests Katrine Conroy spoke Friday about the overhaul of the BCWS incorporating more full-time year-round staff over rotating seasonal employees.

An investment of $359 million of new funding to support wildfire prevention and preparedness was also announced Friday.

So far, B.C. has experienced 137 wildfires, which is around 60 per cent of the 10-year average for the province.

Within those 137 wildfires, 601 hectares have been burned, which is five per cent of the 25-year average.