The Kimberley Fire Department was called to a site near Marysville Falls Tuesday to deal with a campfire left burning.
Asst. Chief Rick Prasad says that it’s not the first time the Fire Department has had to deal with campfires in this area, but given weather conditions right now, it is particularly dangerous.
“For one thing, a campfire is prohibited by a bylaw,” Prasad said. “And secondly, it was left burning.”
Jordan Turner from the Southeast Fire Centre in Castlegar says that while hot weather is forecast to continue and will definitely dry things out, there is no anticipation of a campfire ban at this time, although municipalities can put on local bans.
“In the Southeast region right now the fire rating is moderate, with pockets of low or high. In the Kimberley Cranbrook area it is sitting at moderate.
“There is no campfire prohibition in place right now and we are not planning one. We do monitor it very closely. We watch weather, drying patterns and precipitation levels.”
Turner says that a campfire prohibition decision is made by the Fire Centre, but municipalities can put on their own bans for campfires within city limits.
“I can see bans being put on locally, but it hasn’t been dry enough, long enough region wide. It’s still a bit early in the fire season. We got lots of rain in June so most forest fuels are not completely dry.”
The other big issue is that Southeast Forest Centre resources are not stretched right now as there hasn’t been much fire activity yet.
“However we ask the public to be vigilant with campfires. Have at least eight litres of water on hand as well as tools. If you see an unattended campfire or a forest fire, please call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cell phone.”