If recent wild fire activity is any indicator, the Similkameen could be heading for a busy fire season.
Rapidly warming temperatures, sunny skies and gusty winds contributed to a stubborn wildfire that burned up Pincushion Mountain near Keremeos on Friday, April 11.
The fire began around 2 p.m. at the base of the mountain near A and M Orchards, just north of Keremeos, and spread rapidly up the mountain.
Fanned by strong, gusty winds, firefighters were fortunate that the westerly winds moved it away from property on the valley floor. Crews were on scene until 9 p.m., with an inspection crew back on scene Saturday to check for hot spots on the mountainside.
On Sunday, April 13, a second wildfire broke out south of Cawston, between Highway 3 and the Similkameen River. The Sunday fire was contained within Indian Reservation and the KVFD fire protection area lands.
A hayfield and barn was threatened, with the potential for the fire to spread to other structures at one point, but firefighters managed to prevent any property losses.
Keremeos volunteers were on scene from 2:30 p.m until midnight, and were back on scene Monday to assess hot spots.
The Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department also called on the resources of the BC Forest Service, who provided some assistance in both wildfires.
Both fires were human caused.
“We had a good night last night, with cool temperatures and light winds,” said Keremeos Chief Jordy Bosscha Monday morning. “Hopefully the wind stays down. As long as winds are favourable, we should be okay.
Bosscha is concerned that the recent outbreak of wildfires could be a harbinger of a busy season to come.
“We’ve still got a 120 per cent of normal snow pack to come down from the mountains,” he said, “but it’s bone dry on the valley floor right now.”
Some rain is in the forecast for Thursday, with temperatures recovering by the weekend.