As we get further into August it looks like the hot and dry weather will be here for a while.
With the recent grass fire on Jasper Ave., residents are once again reminded how fragile our balance with nature really is. It doesn’t take much to turn a small backyard fire into a full-blown blaze. If not for the quick and efficient work of the local Grand Forks Fire Rescue, the grass fire could’ve been much, much worse.
At the Southeast Fire Centre, which covers Grand Forks and region, fire information offices are urging great care and have, in fact, enacted a campfire ban.
There have been several lightning-caused fires in the region recently, including a 100 hectare blaze in Slocan Park. Any man-made fires pull resources away from those natural fires.
Fortunately, there has only been one small fire in the Boundary in the past week up at Blue Joint Mountain and that was dealt with quickly. However, with tinder-dry conditions that is likely to change.
There are, after all, eight lightning-caused fires which started up this week and 217 in the year to date burning 3,126 hectares.
One thing about fires is that they are very unpredictable. Winds and tree lines can affect how quick a fire spreads and in which direction it goes.
The extremely dry conditions mean the fire risk is very high. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly and challenge fire suppression efforts.
Residents need to ensure they are not hindering fire crews by adding to fire danger.