So far in 2022, BC experienced a fairly mild wildfire season.
Compared to this time last year, BC had close to 200 active fires ripping through the province whereas this year we only have a total of 14 active fires.
Since April 1, there has been a total of 189 fires this season with 92.6% of these fires already out.
The immense amount of precipitation has been a huge factor in protecting dry regions, along with the 69 cultural and prescribed fires undertaken or planned to reduce wildfire risk.
BC experiences 1,600 wildfires per year, on average. While the majority of these fires are put out before they threaten people, homes and communities, it is important to be prepared.
That's why BC Wildfire Services (BCWS) has been focused on training and preparing close to 300 new recruits who will be joining crews across the province.
On top of that, BCWS held over 200 wildfire preparedness sessions this spring with communities, local governments, First Nations, industry and partners in emergency management.
While BC has faced some unseasonable weather in the past few weeks, temperatures are set to be on the rise which will increase the risk of wildfires.
BCWS encourages everyone to be prepared as we head into summer, by having a plan in place during an emergency, packing an emergency grab-and-go bag and staying up to date through the BCWS dashboard.
Other ways to stay safe this season can be found through FireSmartBC.
