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There has been a significant lack of smoke in the air in the Kamloops Fire Centre region in 2019 — knock on wood — and it appears to be a result of the dramatic decrease in wildfires from this year in comparison to last year.
Taylor MacDonald, BCWS fire information officer, confirmed that at this time last year, there had been nearly twice as many fires started in the Kamloops Fire Centre — which spans the US border to the north of Wells Gray Provincial Park, and west from the Bridge River Delta Provincial Park to near Revelstoke in the east.
"In Kamloops Fire Centre we responded to 182 fires at this time last year. This year, in comparison, we've responded to 99 fires so far," she explained early on Monday afternoon prior to the ignition of three new fires in the southern area of the province.
The #BCWildfire Service is responding to multiple lightning-caused wildfires east of #Osoyoos. BCWS personnel and airtankers are currently responding in conjunction with the local fire department. To report a wildfire, dial *5555 or 1 (800) 663-5555 toll free.
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 23, 2019
"This year we've had 998 hectares burned in the Kamloops Fire Centre versus last year when we had 8,255 Ha burned."
Of the fires started this year in which cause was determined, 81% were caused by humans versus 19% which were caused by lightning. Last year, 33% were lightning-caused with 37% being determined as human-caused. Any investigations into the remaining 30% were not conclusive.
Last year, the Okanagan hosted some large fires contributing to the massive area burned in the region.
While the wildfire season has been favourable this year, it is not over yet.
The Kamloops Fire Centre will be expecting warmer temperatures over the week, "but that isn't to say that things will heat up instantly. It could still take some time for the fuels to dry up after the cooler weather we saw in the past," said MacDonald.
"It will depend on what we see in the next few weeks."
Fire activity remains low across BC due to cool conditions and rainfall. This may feel like a stark contrast compared to what was experienced in 2017 & 2018, however it is no reason to become complacent. Please continue to take all precautions to prevent human-caused #BCwildfire. pic.twitter.com/gwZYnacFWe
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 19, 2019
There are four wildfires currently burning in the region, including the aforementioned three that sparked Monday evening. The remaining fire was deemed under control by BCWS on Monday morning.
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