Warm weather could increase risk of forest fires

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It’s time to bust out the sunscreen!  After weeks of waiting, we’re finally about to be rewarded with some hot weather.  News1130 Meteorologist Russ Lacate says we’ll see temperatures climbing into the early 30s this week.

It is hard to believe, but there is a bad side to all the warm weather on the way.  The higher the mercury climbs, could mean more fuel for forest fires.

Fire Information Officer Gwen Eamer tells the Vancouver Sun, things like twigs and grass will dry up and can easily spark a blaze.  She tells the newspaper there have been 37 active fires throughout the province, all of which have been contained.  Twenty-two of those were caused by people and three were started this past weekend.

Tim Jones with North Shore Rescue is warning people who may be fooled by the warm temperatures and may not be ready for the outdoors.  He tells the Sun there is still a ton of snow at the higher elevations at places like Grouse and Cypress Mountains and Mount Seymour.

The long awaited arrival of summer will see some of that snow melt, contributing to unsettled conditions on the slopes.  Jones admits he has not received any emergency calls, yet.  But the warmer weather does have a way of luring hikers who aren’t properly dressed or packed.

Jones recommends wearing appropriate footwear, as well as bringing ice axes, crampons and rope.