Campfire ban imposed as largest forest fire continues to grow near Princeton
© The Canadian Press, 2001
August 18, 2001
PRINCETON, B.C. (CP) - Forestry officials are looking forward to some cooler weather this weekend in their battle against British Columbia's largest forest fire, but wind and electrical storms in the forecast could be a concern.
"We've been OK the last little while because the lightning we've had for the most part has had rain associated with it," said Kent Johnson, of Environment Canada.
"There is a chance, with this kind of system with hot, dry conditions, of dry lightning and we will have to keep a close eye on that." A forest fire near Princeton, B.C., continued to grow overnight Thursday and by morning was estimated at 13 square kilometres, three more than the day before.
But the fire is still well away from Princeton, a community of about 3,000, and there's no threat to homes in the area about 200 kilometres southeast.
Fire Information Officer Cathi Piazza said Thursday more than 200 firefighters and support workers are trying to keep the fire from spreading and there's no rain in the forecast.
"Over 160 firefighters are now working on the fire on a 24-hour, rotating schedule," she said.
She adds the fire is burning away from Princeton, so homes in the area are not at risk.
The fire began last Saturday when a motorhome burst into flames on the Hope-Princeton highway. Another major fire is burning just across the Canada-U.S. border in Washington state.
Meanwhile, officials in the Kootenays have banned campfires and a campfire ban could soon be in effect in the Merritt forest district.
Forest protection officer Tom Lacey said campers are being responsible.
"One unique thing that we didn't have before is that people are being safe and we're not getting the campfires left (burning,)" said Lacey.
"So we're going to boost our patrols for the weekend, going around to make sure everyone's secure and safe and doing it right."
Lacey said a campfire ban will likely be implemented in the Merritt area early next week if the weather doesn't break.