A warm and dry spring, along with 34 wildfires leaping to life in one day earlier this week in British Columbia’s northeast, has the provincial government asking residents to be mindful that wildfire season has arrived.

The flare-up of fires was driven by high temperatures and wind, serving as a reminder that wildfire seasons can be unpredictable and start early. The BC Wildfire Service is fully prepared for the 2016 fire season and its crews have been tackling this week’s fires head-on, supported by heavy equipment and aircraft, an Office of the Premier and Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations press release noted today.

Given the flexibility that the BC Wildfire Service has built into its contracts, two air tanker groups are now in service ahead of schedule to deal with the unusually quick start to the fire season. Additional airtanker groups will be ready for duty by May 2.

The province has also increased its commitment to wildfire prevention with the top-up of $10 million to the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative, bringing the province’s total investment to date in this program to $78 million. The fund was set up in 2004 and is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. It helps local governments and First Nations significantly reduce wildfire risks around their communities.

“The wildfires in the Peace and across Northern B.C. are a grim reminder that fire season is starting earlier and earlier. Everyone needs to understand the importance of reducing wildfire risks around their homes and in their communities,” said Premier Christy Clark.

The province invested $85 million in the new Forest Enhancement Society of B.C. in this year’s budget. The society will focus on wildfire risk reduction to complement the ministry’s existing forest stewardship programs and world-class wildfire suppression capabilities.

Wildfire prevention and mitigation are everyone’s responsibility said Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson. “Wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility of the provincial government, local governments, industry stakeholders and individual British Columbians. I urge everyone to learn more about the FireSmart program and do what they can to minimize wildfire threats near their homes.”

Rural property owners are encouraged to learn more about the FireSmart program and how it can help reduce wildfire threats on their property. Using common sense and watching for changing weather conditions can also help reduce the risk.

FireSmart activities include:

* Thinning and trimming trees, shrubs and other vegetation;

* Removing flammable material from the property;

* Ensuring that woodpiles and other easily ignited materials are stored away from buildings and;

* Using fire-resistant building and landscaping materials.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or burning violation, please call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories.

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