It is shaping up to be another busy wildfire season in British Columbia, according to the latest outlook released by the BC Wildfire Service.
Fire Information Officer Erika Berg says the areas of note are the coast and the Southern and Central Interiors.
“The month of June is presenting drought like conditions in those areas due to factors that include low snowpack, above average temperatures expected and less than normal rainfall,” she said. “This forecast of a drier June could result in a greater total of area burned for the season, due to earlier availability of dry fuels in these areas.”
While recent rainfall has helped with firefighting efforts, much more is needed according to the Wildfire Service.
The above seasonal temperatures are expected to continue into the months of September to November, with Berg saying many parts of the province will be between one and two degrees above normal.
“And then when we even go into September to November, this period continues to show a high probability of above seasonal temperatures,” Berg added. “We’re going to be reassessing and sending out a new updated document closer to when those months are upon us.”
Data from the River Forecast Centre says stream flows in parts of BC are approaching or exceeding record lows, while Environment Canada is also expecting a warmer and much drier spring throughout the province.
Most fires to this point have been human caused, but Berg notes the number of fire starts across BC will also depend on lightning events this season.