We’re definitely into a weather pattern already where we need to throw caution to the wind.
Wildfires are starting to break out again, including one near Campbell River.
It’s quite likely we will have very few days of precipitation from now until the end of August in keeping with the long, dry summers of the past few years.
We don’t want a repeat or anywhere close to last year’s horrific wildfire season that burned enormous sections of land in B.C. Some small communities were completely extinguished and large fires came dangerously close to significant population centres.
We were quite fortunate on Vancouver Island, other than dealing with smoke from Interior fires, that it didn’t adversely affect us. That doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels.
It’s up to the public to be diligent in reporting any signs of smoke or fire immediately before it spreads out of control.
And it’s also incumbent on the public not to be stupid. That means you, smokers.
Smoldering cigarettes are still one of the leading causes of wildfires, next to lightning. The latter can’t be prevented but the asinine tossing of cigarette butts out the window can.
Dispose of them properly. That can’t be stressed enough, especially in the woods, but also just around town on the pavement can be just as dangerous.
It doesn’t take much for a spark to catch and ignite a serious blaze when everything is tinder dry.
Some of this may sound elementary, but people are so defiant sometimes it’s scary.
If you see someone acting without regard to the possible consequences, be sure to tell them. It all starts with being conscientious and, like Smokey the Bear has always said, “only you can prevent forest fires.”