The current long-range forecasts suggest a high potential for an active spring wildfire season in British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service announced March 18.

Once fuels and forests are snow-free, elevated fire activity is anticipated this spring. A spring wildfire season is common in British Columbia, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) stated in a spring 2024 Seasonal Outlook

“While recent snowfall may seem beneficial, its impact on the upcoming wildfire season is expected to be minimal due to sublimation (solid to vapour) and the dry nature of snow in Interior regions. However, the presence of snow can temporarily prevent further drying of fuels underneath. Once the snow melts, fine fuels have the potential to dry out very quickly, particularly in windy conditions,” BCWS said.

As of February 1, the BC River Forecast Centre reported an extremely low provincial snowpack, averaging 61% of normal across British Columbia. The low snowpack will limit surface runoff, stream flows, and fuel moisture recharge which could limit drought recovery into summer 2024, BCWS added.

As for how the summer is shaping up, BCWS said, “May and June are typically the rainiest months in the B.C. Interior. The amount and duration of rain events during this period influences the length and intensity of the core wildfire season.

“Conditions have the potential to improve if widespread, continuous rain is received this spring. It is too early to tell though; long-range weather forecasts, especially for precipitation, are unreliable. However, meteorologists are skeptical that sufficient rainfall will occur. Until we experience significant and prolonged rains, the elevated drought will continue to support the potential for easy ignition and rapid wildfire growth.”

See the BC seasonal emergency preparedness update, March 18, 2024.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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