(File photo) A strong storm has just lifted in Okanagan and with a few hot days in the valley leading up to Tuesday, the BC Wildfire Service urges residents to be vigilant. “It’s a good time to remember for British Colombians that our eyes and ears are on the ground. Especially with the hottest weather we saw earlier in the week, it’s good to be especially careful when it comes to the big weekend. enjoying these recreational activities “. “We have to remember to throw cigarettes properly, to be careful with vehicle exhaust and fireworks. All of these can easily ignite a fire, so it is important for people to be careful with the dry weather we have had,” she said. Fire Information Officer Shaelee Stearns. . Kamloops Fire Center currently has a low to moderate fire risk rating. Stearns says this year, BC Wildfire has responded to 61 fires at the Kamloops Fire Center with 100 acres burned since April 1. Whenever there is lightning in the forecast, BC Wildfire says it is watching very carefully. “In general, most fires start with lightning. When lightning strikes, it can release enough fuel to ignite a tree or other fuel on the ground. Although it cannot be avoided, we can predict where it may start.” BC Wildfire says there is a possibility of waiting strikes. “When lightning strikes, it may not ignite immediately. It may last for weeks or even longer, so we can see when we have more than that dry weather for where it hit and where it burns underground. “But not as a surface fire it can ignite and then become a fire at that moment,” Stearns added. To report a fire call 1 800 663-5555 or * 5555 on a mobile phone. Photo: BCWS
