Barriere Fire Rescue once again is the first area in the North Thompson Valley to announce a complete fire ban effective as of July 2 at 4 p.m. The ban is being put in place because of high seasonal temperatures, continued drought conditions, and resource limitations, the district said.
"We made the decision based on what is best for our community," Fire chief, Alexis Hovenkamp told Black Press on Friday July 4, "With our experience in the past, we definitely put on the ban when temperatures are on the rise, not too much rain in the foreseeable future and exercising caution due to such dry conditions. People may still use a CSA-approved propane pit or barbecue but no open fires, no fireworks, no tiki torches for example. Definitely no campfires for the rest of the season and this ban will remain in place until October 15 or before then if we can lift it depending on what happens with regards to precipitation."
Hovenkamp cautions that it's not only campfires that start human-caused wildfires.
"There are a lot of different factors such as dropping a cigarette butt, or even sparks from equipment. It's important to stay aware when you go outdoors to play or work, make good decisions. You can purchase easy to carry water cans or keep a shovel close by to smother the start of a fire. We suggest that everyone have the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) app on their cell phones. Even if you are out of cell service you can take photos of a fire in the app and when you are back in service it goes immediately to BCWS showing them the exact location."
Chief Hovenkamp also reminds the public that calling in a fire via 911 or by using *5555 is another quick way to report a fire.
"We want people to enjoy the outdoors but also remember that the fire departments in the North Thompson Valley are volunteer," she said. "They are amazing firefighters often leaving their jobs in an emergency to serve their communities. We always make sure our areas are covered even when assisting other areas, our towns are our priority before we deploy units to help elsewhere in B.C."
The Barriere Fire Rescue chief also praised the dedication of volunteer firefighters with neighbouring volunteer fire departments in McLure, Barriere, Chu Chua, Little Fort, Blackpool, Upper Clearwater, Vavenby and Blue River.
Although there is not a full fire ban as yet in the District of Clearwater (DOC), Clearwater Fire Department chief Mike Smith told Black Press, "Clearwater Fire would like to take this opportunity to remind residents of the importance of fire safety, specifically that Category 2 and 3 fires are prohibited, and to encourage everyone to be vigilant when lighting campfires."
"As we continue to experience extremely hot and dry conditions, the possibility of implementing a full fire ban in the near future in the Clearwater area is becoming increasingly probable," Smith said.
"We all work together and have great communication ready to assist and support each other as needed in the valley," said chief Hovenkamp.
To access the BC Wildfire Service app visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.bc.gov.WildfireInformation&hl=en_CA&pli=1
