It’s been a hot start to wildfire season in the Kamloops Fire Centre.
Between April 1 and May 12, Nessman said the Kamloops Fire Centre had seen 47 wildfires with 868 hectares burned.
“We’re taking it day by day,” said Fire Information Officer Cali Nessman.
There’s been quite an increase in the number of blazes to start 2026. Nessman said that over the last five years, the start of wildfire season has seen an average of 39 wildfires with 417 hectares burned. In addition, over the last 10 years, the numbers are slightly lower at 31 wildfires and 227 hectares burned.
In the spring, Nessman said wildfires are more likely to be human-caused, however overall about 60 per cent of wildfires that spark are started by lightning.
“Human caused wildfires can be prevented, but it’s also important to note that not all human caused wildfires start from campfires,” Nessman added, listing vehicle use, industrial activities, fireworks, discarded cigarettes,, open burning, and arson.
The region is seeing moderate to high fire danger ratings.
Information about current wildfires, resources, prohibitions, reporting and evacuations can be found on the B.C. Wildfire Dashboard or its smartphone app.