By Adam Berls

seasonal outlook

Province taking early steps to prepare for drought and wildfire this summer

Mar 18, 2024 | 2:49 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — The provincial government is taking several early steps to prepare for the wildfire and drought season.

The provincial snowpack is currently sitting at 66% of normal, leading for a potential for prolonged drought that was all too evident last year, which is why the government is starting early to get a headstart.

While it’s too early to say how much precipitation, we will receive over the coming months, the province is still preparing for a challenging wildfire and drought season.

Among the steps the province is taking, will be implementing new technology that can better predict the movements and growth of wildfires. According to the province:

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“The wildfire predictive technology will first be introduced in the Coastal and Kamloops Fire Centres, where it has already been trialled to ensure compatibility with forest and fuel conditions. Following continued trials, refinements and staff training, B.C.’s remaining four regional fire centres will phase in the new wildfire predictive technology throughout 2024.”

The BC Wildfire Service will be establishing a new equipment depot in Prince George to support northern operations, with $21 million in Budget 2024. Other steps include incorporating wildfire predictive technologies and expanding the number of firefighting tools available to BC Wildfire Service crews.

“Many communities experienced severe drought conditions last summer. The potential for drought conditions this year is very real and we are taking steps to help people prepare,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “We have boosted community emergency grants, water infrastructure and supports for farmers and ranchers, and we will keep finding ways to support people, communities, businesses and wildlife in the face of drought.”

Cullen says that targeted temporary water restrictions may be needed again, but that they are only a last resort. The current El Nino conditions are forecast to fade this spring, but only shorter term forecasts will be able to tell how much precipitation we will get through spring and summer.

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X: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com