Planned ignitions for Tentfire Creek wildfire

BC Wildfire Service is working with the Tumbler Ridge Fire Department and local RCMP to complete this burn with minimal impact on the community. No roadways are impacted at this time; however, the RCMP will be on-site to restrict access on the Mast Road as required.

The PG Fire Centre says the first priority with these operations is always safety. The BC Wildfire Service has implemented safety protocols and strategies while conducting its operations to minimize the risk of the planned ignition growing beyond the intended area. Planned ignitions must provide for the safety of personnel, the public, equipment and nearby values (e.g. homes, infrastructure, natural resources). The ignition plan must also identify, assess and mitigate potential hazards. Large-scale burn operations are supported with appropriate resources, such as aircraft, heavy equipment and firefighters. This way, if a burn escapes, it can be dealt with right away.

In addition, wildfires continue to burn throughout the rest of the province, as we take a look at the current numbers.

Fires:

* Wildfires burning in B.C.: 248

* Since April 1:

* 1,251 wildfires

* 454,433 hectares burnt

* Active fires by fire centre:

* Cariboo: 37

* Coastal: 4

* Kamloops: 84

* Northwest: 4

* Prince George: 51

* Southeast: 68

Crews and equipment:

* Firefighters and other personnel fighting the fires: 3,693 (total, includes out-of-province and aerial support)

* Out-of-province firefighters: 316

* Helicopters and planes supporting ground crews: 187

Evacuations:

* Evacuation orders: 62 (-1)

* Evacuation alerts: 87 (-6)

* Properties:

* Number of properties on order: 3,443 (+68)

* Number of properties on alert: 17,679 (-386)

* Orders and alerts by Emergency Management BC region:

* Vancouver Island Central Coast: 0

* Northwest: 0 orders and 1 alert

* Northeast: 1 order and 12 alerts

* Central: 53 (+1) orders and 64 (+1) alerts

* Southeast: 8 orders and 8 alerts

* Southwest: 0 orders and 2 alerts

To report a wildfire or an open burning violation, call *5555 on a cell phone or 1-800-663-5555 toll-free. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories visit http://www.bcwildfire.ca

by Ben Tompkins

Planned ignitions for Tentfire Creek wildfire

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