'It's way too early': As wildfire season returns, small town mayors urge caution

With unseasonably warm temperatures in the forecast, the provincial government is urging people to use caution and hold off on open burning today and through the weekend.

That warning comes after a cluster of fires in northeast B.C. cut off highway travel as well as cellphone and internet services and prompted some evacuations. 

"It's devastating for the land and wildlife and families and homes and communities," said Darcy Dober, mayor of the neighbouring community of Dawson Creek. "We have to be careful and do our part."

Though lightning is the leading cause of wildfires in the province, the B.C. Wildfire Service says humans are the primary source of new burns in the spring months and is urging people to refrain from any open burning due to unseasonably warm temperatures in the forecast and drier-than-average conditions in many parts of the province.

The province is also encouraging people to be vigilant if they plan to have any campfires, particularly in the backcountry.

"As the days get longer and nicer, with more people camping or working outside, we all have a role to play in reducing wildfire risk by remaining vigilant, cautious and informed," Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said in a statement.

That message was echoed by Clearwater Mayor Merlin Blackwell, north of Kamloops, which has dealt with multiple nearby fires in recent years.

He's urging residents to put off backyard burning and other risky behaviour in the days ahead.

"We're saying please take a break from that until we get into the cold front," he said. "It's way too early."

Ashcroft, which spent much of last summer on evacuation alert last summer, is on edge as the temperature creeps upwards, said Mayor Barbara Roden.

"There is the fear, the threat of wildfires," she said. "It is always there."

Wildfire information officer Karley Desrosiers said one of the biggest risks right now is dry grass, which can quickly spread fires.

"The challenge at the moment with how dry everything is and the unseasonably hot temperatures this week is that grass fires do move and grow very quickly," she said.

Environment Canada says cooler, wetter weather system is expected this weekend in northern B.C..

Updates on wildfires can be found on the B.C. Wildfire dashboard, and highway closures can be seen using DriveBC.ca or calling toll-free 1-800-550-4997.