Dawson Creek fire chief acknowledges ‘uptick’ in number of recent grass fires

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Dawson Creek Fire Department’s chief has noticed an “uptick” in the number of recent grass fires compared to last year.

Marcel Capelle told Energeticcity.ca his department has seen around a dozen grass fires in the last two weeks, including a fire north of Dawson Creek’s 8th Street on the evening of Friday, April 11th.

Capelle said his firefighters needed the assistance of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to suppress that fire.

“[BCWS] noticed that there was [a fire] north of town,” said Capelle. “They were at another call, and they noticed the smoke, and came up there and helped us.”

Of the four fires listed in the Peace region by the BCWS as “under control” between April 8th and April 16th, all are suspected to be caused by human activity. 

“Quite a few of [the fires] have also been outside of the city limits, but still in our fire protection area,” explained Capelle. “The faster forestry [BCWS] can get crews there, the better chance of it not spreading.”

Several factors can lead to grass fires spreading, says Capelle, including drought conditions and high winds.

With winter coming to its end, residents outside city limits are more likely to burn leaves and shrubs on their grounds – for which a burn permit is required.

However, Capelle said some may try to bypass the rules, leading to problems.

“You can only burn what grows in your yard,” said Capelle. “You have to also call Environment Canada to make sure the weather is favourable that you are able to burn.”

He urged residents to “use common sense” and refrain from burning in adverse weather conditions, such as high winds.

Find out about burn permits for Dawson Creek here or Fort St. John here. 

For further wildfire updates, visit the BCWS’ interactive map website.