YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Keep yourself and your community safe this summer

The current wildfire season in B.C. is already setting records, and with more hot weather on the horizon it could spell disaster.

Fire bans have now been implemented in the Coastal Fire Centre, which includes the Fraser Valley, and it’s vital that people respect these restrictions. All campfires and open fires, such as slash burning, are now prohibited, as are fireworks, burn barrels, tiki torches, chimineas and the like. However, you can still use outdoor stoves that burn charcoal and gas. Anyone caught contravening the fire ban may be hit with serious fines and even jail time.

Although most wildfires don’t occur within city limits, my community of Kamloops saw this danger first-hand in the summer of 2021 when fire threatened the Juniper Ridge neighbourhood. It’s so important to have an emergency plan in place to evacuate your home and neighbourhood if something like this happens. A ‘go-bag’ isn’t just vital for people on evacuation alert, it’s important for all of us to have in case an emergency suddenly transpires — fire or otherwise.

Important items to include are food and water; batteries; a first aid kit; a radio; a flashlight; a phone charger and battery bank; a whistle; a pen and notepad; personal toiletries; seasonal clothing; copies of important documents, such as insurance papers and I.D.; a list of family and emergency contacts; and a copy of your emergency plan. In addition to this basic list, consider the additional needs of your household. You may require extra items for the young children, seniors, or people with disabilities in your family. Don’t forget about your pets either.