'It's Way Too Early': Mayors Urge Caution as B.C. Wildfire Season Sparks Ahead of Schedule

With temperatures well above seasonal norms and dry conditions persisting across British Columbia, officials are sounding the alarm on an early and potentially dangerous start to wildfire season.

In response to a series of wildfires in the province's northeast — which have disrupted highway travel and communications and triggered evacuations — the B.C. government is warning residents to avoid open burning and exercise extreme caution in the outdoors.

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

While lightning is typically the leading cause of wildfires in B.C., the B.C. Wildfire Service says human activity is the primary cause during the spring months. With unseasonably warm temperatures and dry grass acting as a potent fuel, the agency is asking British Columbians to avoid open burning and be cautious with campfires, especially in backcountry areas.

“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,” said Forests Minister Ravi Parmar.

That sentiment is being echoed in smaller communities already on edge. In Clearwater, north of Kamloops, Mayor Merlin Blackwell is asking residents to delay backyard burning until temperatures cool.

“We’re saying please take a break from that until we get into the cold front,” said Blackwell. “It’s way too early.”

In Ashcroft, where residents spent much of last summer under evacuation alert, Mayor Barbara Roden said concern is growing again.

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

Karley Desrosiers, a wildfire information officer, said dry grass poses one of the biggest threats, particularly with high temperatures in the forecast.

"Grass fires do move and grow very quickly," she warned. "That's the challenge right now."

Environment Canada says a cooler and wetter weather system is expected to reach northern B.C. this weekend, which could provide some relief.

For updates on active wildfires, residents can visit the B.C. Wildfire dashboard. Road closure information is available at DriveBC.ca or by calling 1-800-550-4997.