BC Wildfires: The Test and More…

As some of you already know, I relocated from Quebec to beautiful British Columbia in the spring of 1992. The vast expanse of Crown Land and the natural beauty quickly captivated me. For someone passionate about hunting, fishing, and the outdoors, it was like discovering paradise, especially after living in a densely populated area where access to private land required permission.

But my enchantment with nature was soon tempered by a stark reality. In 1994, the Garnet Fire swept through 55 square kilometers, destroying 18 homes and forcing over 4,000 Penticton residents to evacuate. I was among those forced to flee. Although our home was miraculously spared, the experience was a sobering reminder of nature’s raw power and the sudden devastation wildfires can bring.

This summer in BC is proving to be no different. Lightning storms and exceptionally dry conditions have put the province on high alert, a scenario that has become an annual challenge. This year, the situation is exacerbated by low snowpack levels in many areas, leaving some fires from the previous year, especially in the northern regions, still smouldering beneath the surface.

The Test

The town of Logan Lake in British Columbia, which I’ve been calling home since late summer of 2023, spent 18 years preparing for a wildfire they hoped would never come. In the summer of 2021, it did. The Test is the story of the town of Logan Lake’s efforts to make their community more fire resilient, eventually becoming the first FireSmart community in Canada. But when the 2021 Tremont Creek Wildfire roared toward them, all eyes were on the little community as nobody knew if all of that work would pay off and if they would pass the test.

These facts provide an overview of the dynamics, causes, and effects of wildfires in British Columbia, as well as the measures taken to manage and mitigate them. The best way to prevent and better prepare for wildfires is education and, as residents, doing our share to protect ourselves and our community.

Fire Danger Rating:

Category 1 (Low): Fires are not easily started.
Category 2 (Moderate): Fires can start easily and may spread quickly in dry conditions.
Category 3 (High): Fires start easily, spread rapidly, and can be difficult to control.
Category 4 (Very High): Fires start very easily, spread extremely fast, and can be very difficult to control.
Category 5 (Extreme): Fires start extremely easily, spread uncontrollably, and are highly dangerous.

Causes of Wildfires:

Natural Causes: Lightning strikes are the most common natural cause of wildfires.
Human Causes: These include campfires, discarded cigarettes, equipment use, arson, railroad tracks, and power lines.

Fire Behaviour:

Dry Conditions: Wildfires can ignite and spread very quickly in dry conditions, sometimes within minutes.
Spread Rate: Depending on the fuel, topography, and weather, wildfires can spread at speeds up to 23 km/h (14 mph).
Candling Effect: This occurs when individual trees or groups of trees ignite from bottom to top, resembling a candle. This can cause firebrands to be thrown ahead of the main fire, starting new fires.

Impact of Winds:

High winds can dramatically increase the speed and unpredictability of wildfires.
Winds can carry burning embers long distances, igniting new fires far ahead from the main fire, jumping fireguards in place.
Wind shifts can change the direction of a wildfire rapidly, complicating firefighting efforts.

Evacuation Alerts and Orders:

Evacuation Alert: Residents should prepare to evacuate on short notice. This includes packing essential items, arranging accommodations, and staying informed on the fire’s status.
Evacuation Order: Residents must leave the area immediately. This order is issued when a fire poses an imminent threat to safety and staying behind could be dangerous.

Preparedness and Response:

Community Preparedness: Communities at risk of wildfires are encouraged to create defensible spaces around homes, remove flammable materials, and have an emergency plan.
Firefighting Efforts: These include ground crews, air support (water bombers, helicopters), and strategic fire breaks to contain and control the spread of wildfires.
Government Response: Provincial and federal governments often provide resources and support during major wildfire events, including evacuation support and financial assistance for affected residents.

Environmental Health and Impact:

Wildfires can cause significant environmental damage, including loss of habitat, soil erosion, and water contamination.
Smoke from wildfires can lead to poor air quality, affecting respiratory health and exacerbating conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

Some fire-safe home practices:

Clean Gutters Regularly: Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from gutters to prevent them from igniting.
Trim Vegetation: Keep trees and bushes trimmed, especially within 10 meters of buildings, to reduce the amount of flammable material.
Maintain Defensible Space: Create a buffer zone around your home by removing dead plants, grass, and weeds. Keep lawns hydrated and maintained.
Store Firewood Away: Keep firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials at least 10 meters away from your home.
Use Fire-Resistant Materials: Consider using fire-resistant materials for roofing, siding, and decking.
Install Spark Arresters: Use spark arresters in chimneys and stovepipes to prevent embers from escaping.
Keep a Hose Nearby: Ensure you have a long garden hose that can reach all areas of your property.
Clear Debris: Regularly clear dead leaves, branches, and other debris from around your property.
Sprinkler on the roof: Our home (as well as most homes in Logan Lake) are equipped with a permanent sprinkler on the roof of the house. It can quickly be connected by the fire department if or when need be.
When on evacuation alert:
- Keep your vehicle fuelled and parked facing forward out of the driveway.
- Determine at least 2 evacuation routes.
- Place your emergency kit by the door.
- Close windows and doors to prevent smoke and debris entering your home.