I'm thankful BC Wildfire and Prince George Fire Centre (PGFC) have instituted campfire bans early this season. I would like to suggest that unless the summer turns exceptionally cool and wet, we keep the fire bans on.
At times, BC Wildfire has seemed reluctant to institute bans, even when fire danger ratings are high. During the heat dome of June 2021, I inquired why a complete fire ban was not yet declared, despite temperature forecasts of mid- to high-40s in the southern interior. I was told by an information officer that the BC Wildfire Service was "well-resourced for both current and predicted activity at the moment." Five days later, the town of Lytton burned to the ground. Within a week, the Wildfire Service was appealing for help outside of the country.
PGFC in particular often chooses risk over caution, rescinding fire bans in the centre after as little as a week or so of cooler temperatures with very little rain. Adding unnecessary risk to wildfire season puts all B.C. residents, northern and southern, at risk of long-term exposure to wildfire smoke. I think it's time our health departments -- not just our wildfire service -- make the decisions on fire bans.
I encourage fellow British Columbians to take the issue up with their MLA or with the health minister.
Janice Nelson
Mackenzie
