Wildfire activity down, says fire centre

By Neil Horner
July 3^rd, 2008

The weather may be hot and dry, but wildfires are failing to make an appearance in Oceanside - a situation Breanna Kerry would be happy to see continue.

The fire information officer for the Coastal Fire Centre said the wildfire situation in the mid-Island area is quiet, despite the heat.

"Kamloops is where it's busy right now,"she said. "They've had temporary spikes of almost up to 40 degrees.

"We've been really quiet around here."

To date, the mid-Island region has 16 fires so far this summer, all of which were caused by people.

Across the coastal region, 74 fires have been reported, with five caused by lightning and the rest caused by human activity.

Despite the good news to date, Kerry stressed the need for residents and visitors to take extra care when using campfires this weekend.

"The hazard is moderate to extreme,"she said.

"It's looking to be a little cooler, but it's still dry and there is still the forest fuel buildup."

news@pqbnews.com




Original Source:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_central/parksville_qualicumbeachnews/news/22916419.html