Forecasted Lightening and Wildfire Preparedness - Information Bulletin from BC Wildfire

Forecasted Lightning and Wildfire Preparedness

Hot and dry conditions are persisting in southern B.C., and the wildfire hazard continues to build. The fire danger rating through the Kamloops Fire Centre region is between high and extreme, which means it is easy for fires to ignite, spread rapidly and exhibit vigorous or challenging fire behaviour.

‍ Lightning is forecast for various regions throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre beginning this afternoon and will last variably through Saturday, July 18. This convective activity will not come with rainfall and because of the fuel conditions and susceptibility, it is likely that new lightning-caused wildfires will start.

‍ ‍This afternoon, dry lightning is likely to develop in the south and north Okanagan, Shuswap and North Thompson regions. Thursday, July 16, the risk of lightning increases and becomes more widespread throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre boundary. The increased lightning risk remains through Friday before dwindling on Saturday morning.

‍ ‍Thunderstorms produce erratic and gusty winds. Wind speeds will be between 20 and 40 kilometres per hour with gusts up to 60 kilometres per hour. These high winds further dry out fuels and affect how quickly new and existing wildfires spread.

‍ ‍‍In preparation for the increase in wildfire activity, we are strategically positioning initial attack crews, helicopters and other response personnel in areas of anticipated lightning activity within the Kamloops Fire Centre boundary. This allows us to respond as quickly as possible, and keep the people, communities, and values of B.C. safe.

‍ ‍During this time of heightened lightning-caused wildfire risk, it's incredibly important to follow open fire prohibitions and restrictions in place within the Kamloops Fire Centre and be safe with any activity that could potentially cause a wildfire. Human-caused wildfires divert critical resources from responding to natural and unavoidable wildfires. To learn more about open fire and safer burning, see our webpage here.