The last couple days saw much-needed rains reach Canada’s west coast and provide a small amount of relief in preventing wildfires, but after Tuesday, there is no more rain in the forecast for most of BC.
Because of current wildfire and drought situations in the province, British Columbians are being urged to remain vigilant in water conservation and not causing wildfires.
Currently, there are 470 active wildfires throughout the province — four of which are on Vancouver Island.
According to BC, since April 1st of this year, there have been 1,454 wildfires that have burned more than 1.48 million hectares of land.
Almost 600 firefighters have come to BC’s aid in this time of climate crisis including out-of-province and international personnel.
Experienced wildfire fighters from Mexico, Australia, Brazil and the United States, have joined our ranks and the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Coast Guard have also stepping to aid the province.
Although the island has staved off most serious wildfires, there have been some which caused significant damages to infrastructure and forests bordering municipalities like Bamfield, Sayward and Port Alberni.
The province says that drought conditions are still extreme and unprecedented for this early in the wildfire season, which impacts British Columbians every summer.
Most of the province is still at either a Drought Level 4 or 5, with Vancouver Island among the most impacted regions with a current Drought Level 5 ranking.
Because of the dire drought conditions the province is facing, BC’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is urging people in all corners of the province to save water in whatever ways they can.
Some water conservation tips the province is suggesting to British Columbians are:
- Reducing personal water use, such as taking shorter showers
- If washing dishes by hand, fill the sink rather than letting the water run freely
- Instead of running the tap, keep a jug of cool water in the fridge
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving
- Regularly check your home for leaks. Undetected leaks in your home can waste many litres of water each year
- Run full loads of laundry and full loads in the dishwasher
- Water lawns sparingly, if at all
- Water gardens in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Clean the driveway with a broom instead of a hose
- Check for leaks in outdoor pipes, faucets and hoses
- Talk to a local nursery or garden supplies centre about drought-tolerant plants
- Use rain barrels to collect rainwater for outdoor plant use
- If you have a swimming pool, consider a water-saving pool filter
