“Beware The Spring Dip”

Fire Information Officer at the Cariboo Fire Centre, Jeromy Corrigan said most people think of wildfire season as late June through early September.

Corrigan added believe it or not, there is a period of increased wildfire risk in early Spring and that is the “Spring Dip” which happens every year.

“That is where shortly after the snow has melted, before vegetation does begin to turn green, and there’s dead grass, leaves, and dead fall branches, they can become more susceptible to burning as days warm up and conditions dry out.”

Corrigan said trees, especially conifers, also have a low moisture content which makes them vulnerable in early spring.

“So we are just reminding people during this time to be extra cautious if you are planning to do any burning. The problem with the Spring Dip is that many people assume Spring is a soggy time of year and that it’s safe to burn without taking extra care.”

BC Wildfire Service said if you are planning a spring campfire, or burning debris to clean up around your property, always:

Check fire prohibitions and with local government to ensure burning is allowed in your area.

Choose your fire’s location, it should be at least 3 metres away from anything flammable.

Create a firebreak around the fire at 1 metre wide that is clear of flammable debris.

Category 2 open fires for backyard burning should be no larger than 3 metres wide by 2 metres tall.

You must have 8 litres of water for a campfire and a hose or related fire suppression system for a Category 2 open fire.

Never leave your fire unattended and have a hand tool readily available and enough water to put the fire out.

And when you are done burning, make sure the fire is out, ashes should be cool to the touch.