Drought persists in some parts of B.C. as crews gear up for wildfire season

The B.C. Wildfire Service is gearing up for the approaching season, noting drought conditions persist in some regions of the province.

A seasonal outlook from the services says a less aggressive start to the fire season is expected in the coastal and southeast regions of the province, due to above-average precipitation this winter.

However, forecasters expect drought to persist in B.C.'s northeast and southern Nechako regions, elevating fire risk, even if they receive average or above-average rainfall.

It said there is also a higher fire risk in the western Chilcotin area.

Much of the province is currently experiencing warmer-than-usual temperatures, said the service, but the intensity of the wildfire season will depend on the amount of rain during May and June. 

According to data provided to the CBC by the B.C. Wildfire Service, there have been fewer fires so far this spring than in previous years — with the exception of 2023.

The wildfire service said it already filled all vacant crew positions ahead of the upcoming season, with approximately 1,300 firefighters, 600 permanent support staff, and 300 seasonal support staff. 

Crews are currently completing training and project work in their respective communities to strengthen skills and gain experience, the service explained. 

It added crews have planned 88 prescribed fires for the year, 25 of which have already been fully or partially completed. 

'Now is the time'

Households should start preparing for fire season, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene said at a news conference last week. 

"Everyone has a role to play," said Greene. "Now is the time to create a grab and go bag and create that emergency plan."

Households can use the province's emergency resource tool to make a plan and learn how to build an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag. 

Greene said now is also the time for people to get insurance — be it home insurance or renter's insurance. 

"When wildfires are burning nearby, it can become too late to obtain insurance, and that's why now is the time," she said.