Fire risks could force closure of backcountry

WILLIAMS LAKE (CP) — A mix of dry conditions and forecast lightning has officials in B.C. considering closing access to a vast section of its backcountry to mitigate the wildfire risk.

Restrictions on access to all Crown land in the Cariboo fire centre could go into effect at noon today as the province continues to battle what Premier John Horgan has said is the worst fire season since the 1950s. A final decision was scheduled to be made this morning.

There were 148 fires burning in the province on Thursday with the majority of new starts in recent days attributed to lightning.

B.C. Forests Minister Doug Donaldson said the increased threat of naturally caused fires means it’s more important than ever to prevent human-caused fires.

“We have very, very dry conditions all around the province, so any additional fires starting have implications about the resources available to fight them,” he said.

About 3,700 personnel including firefighters, crew from other provinces and overseas and forestry contractors are working under the BC Widlfire Service in response to the crisis.

Kevin Skrepnek with the wildfire service said a low pressure system rolling in Friday will bring cooler conditions and thundershowers.

However, it’s unclear whether the combination of rain and lightning will help or hinder fire fighting efforts.

The final decision on the backcountry restriction will depend on wind conditions. Donaldson added exemptions to some sites in the region that have a lower risk for fires is possible.

A restriction order would mean people cannot remain in or enter the area without the prior written authorization. Exceptions include people who are travelling to or from their principle residence, a person acting in an official capacity or those who support efforts to fight wildfires.

The Cariboo fire centre in the province’s Interior stretches from Loon Lake near Clinton in the south to the Cottonwood River near Quesnel in the north, and from Tweedsmuir Provincial Park in the west to Wells Gray Provincial Park in the east.

The area is a popular destination for hikers and campers.

Tourism officials have begun assessing the impact of the devastating wildfires on the travel sector.

Maya Lange of Destination BC, the province’s tourism planning and marketing corporation, said Wednesday businesses outside the fire zones have complained of cancellations.

Lange said firm data reflecting the financial implications won’t be ready for another two to three months, but the number of tourists coming into the province week-toweek has remained on track. That may mean visitors are changing their travel plans within the province rather than cancelling their trips entirely, she said.