e-KNOW Editorial

By Ian Cobb

Remember the good old days when we enjoyed a break between winter and ‘wildfire season’?

The halcyon times when one could burn the previous year’s dry and dead grass, weeds and leaves, creating nutrients for the incoming and fireproofing one’s yard in the process appear to be over.

An odd and often annoying winter came to an end a week ago and we’re already in fire season – mostly thanks to folks trying to squeeze in a quick singe.

Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) firefighters have been kept on their toes early this week dousing grassfires that threatened properties.

Those followed an almost terrible grass and brush fire outside Cranbrook March 29.

The RDEK yesterday sounded the alarm, asking area residents to make sure they are well prepared before taking flame to the tinder dry deadfall on their properties.

“Everyone remembers how hot and dry last year was. Those fine fuels that were dried out and dead heading into winter are now drying out in the spring sun. They burn and they burn quickly,” stressed Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire & Rescue Chief Dave Boreen.

“Anyone doing spring burning must make sure they are taking steps to be prepared by having a water source, shovel or tools, burning when it’s not windy and by staying on site monitoring the fire until it is completely out,” he said.

We recommend you take further steps, such as inviting friends and neighbours to be on hand to help if the wind picks up. Make it a barbecue; provide beverages. Do us all a favour and don’t be a Chicago cow.

There have been four potentially catastrophic early season fires in five days in the East Kootenay (that we know about).

Considering the past two years and the record-setting wildfire fire seasons, it should now be truly pounded into all British Columbian heads that mucking about with fire in tinder dry conditions is reckless behaviour.

Must a senior level of government come up with life-crushing fines or jail sentences for those who ignite sans preparation? How about making those responsible for escaped grass or brush fires pay for the cost of putting them out, including the wages lost by the firefighters responding?

It appears wildfire season is growing in length and that means we must all use our heads and be cautious and wise when considering lighting up – all the time.

In closing, we’re not saying those behind the local fires should be treated thusly, as one can only hope the dry conditions caught them by surprise.

Let’s consider ourselves lucky and learn from the past few days’ incidents and let’s be smart out there.

Additional tips for spring burning can be found on the BC Wildfire Service website www.bcwildfire.ca.

– Ian Cobb is e-KNOW editor and owner

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