With wildfire season fast approaching, the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) is closely watching last year’s holdover fires.
In an update, the Prince George Fire Centre says they are aware and are monitoring holdover fires in the Fort Nelson Fire Zone that are still smoldering and may produce visible smoke.
The BCWS says smoke will be particularly noticeable in large fire areas or regions experiencing drought conditions.
“Depending on the fire’s size and location, response may look different from fire to fire, as every wildfire is unique,” said the BCWS.
They highlighted that their response to holdover fires will depend on several factors, such as the fire’s size, behaviour, and surrounding environmental conditions.
To manage holdover fires, BCWS may conduct ground and air patrols, actively searching for smoke plumes, while air patrols will use thermal imaging technology to detect heat signatures.
Over the winter, response personnel met with local governments and interest groups to discuss holdover response in the region and address community concerns.
Last month, patrol flights were conducted in the Fort Nelson area, Highway 77 corridor, Nelson Forks area, Snake River, and Komie Creek.
“Based on the information gathered during these flights, an action plan has been developed, and heavy equipment and personnel have been deployed to start gaining access to priority areas, which will be followed up with wildfire suppression activities,” said BCWS.
When more holdover fires are discovered, necessary measures will be implemented as needed to stop the spread of wildfires and safeguard potentially threatened values, according to the BCWS.