Experts warn that climate change is increasing the wildfire risk in B.C., creating more fires from the two major causes – lightning strikes and human activity.
The Rock Ridge fire over the May 23-24 weekend in Maple Ridge, which is considered human caused, underlines the importance of preventing forest fires, and protecting communities.Approximately 60 per cent of the city is forested.
Maple Ridge city hall is reminding residents to prepare for a hot, dry summer that’s forecast.
“As wildfire risks continue to increase across the region, preparation and prevention are more important than ever,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “The city continues to invest in emergency preparedness and fire response, including the addition of 20 new firefighters over the past two years, while enhancing emergency planning and wildfire resiliency initiatives and encouraging residents to take simple FireSmart steps to help protect their homes and neighbourhoods.”
Residents are reminded to take extra precautions during dry summer conditions:
• No smoking is permitted in city parks and trails.
• Never leave barbecues or gas campfire devices unattended.
• Dispose of smoking materials responsibly, never on the ground or in planters.
• Avoid using equipment that can generate sparks near dry grass or brush.
• Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remain prohibited (fireworks, binary exploding targets burn barrels and burn cages, controlled air incinerators, air curtain burners, carbonizers)
To reduce wildfire risk around your home:
• Remove dry leaves, needles, and debris from roofs, gutters, decks, and yards
• Keep grass cut short
• Move firewood, propane tanks, and other combustibles away from buildings
• Trim branches and vegetation close to structures
• Clear materials from under decks, stairs, and fences
• Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street
• Keep driveways and access routes clear for emergency vehicles
With global warming, wildfires are increasing in size, severity and frequency. In B.C. during the 2023 fire season, there were 2.9 million hectares burned, and it cost almost $1.1 billion in fire management. Sixty fires of note threatened public safety, resulting in 208 evacuation orders and requiring 48,000 people to leave their homes.
Higher temperatures and increased atmospheric instability lead to more convective weather, increasing the number of lightning strikes that ignite remote fires.
The four most impactful fire seasons on record have occurred over the past eight years – 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2023, collectively burning 6.28 million hectares and costing more than $3 billion for suppression alone.
Maple Ridge has received $150,000 through the Union of BC Municipalities Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program to strengthen local wildfire preparedness and response. The funds will be used to update the City’s Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan, to hire a FireSmart coordinator for one year, and for FireSmart education and outreach.
“Wildfire resiliency requires a coordinated approach that includes planning, education, mitigation, and community involvement,” said Fire Chief Dave Samson. “This funding will help strengthen the City’s preparedness efforts while giving residents more tools and information to help reduce wildfire risk around their homes.”
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or an open burning violation call *5555 on a cell phone, or report it through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
– with files by Sam Duerksen