The Anarchist Mountain Fire Department responded to its first wildfire of the year on over the weekend. (Anarchist Mountain Fire Department)

The Anarchist Mountain Fire Department responded to its first wildfire of the season after several burn piles spread this weekend.

On Saturday, the fire was under control at 300 square feet, the department said online.

“If you are burning, please ensure that it is monitored closely. You are responsible for any burns you carry out,” the department said.

Opening burning is still allowed until April 15, but following recent mild and dry weather conditions, BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public to be cautious when burning outdoors.

Enough resources should always be on hand to control the fire and prevent it from escaping, BC Wildfire Service said.

Burning permits are required and anyone conducting a burn must also check venting conditions in advance. If the conditions are poor or fair, burning is not allowed. The venting
index is available by calling 1-888-281-2992.

BC Wildfire Service is also advising the public that hotspots from last year’s wildfires could re-emerge. This is called overwintering fires.

“An overwintering fire can occur when a wildfire that burned deep underground last year has continued to smoulder all winter long. Given the extend and intensity of many wildfires in the summer of 2018, some of these residual hot spots could flare up with the arrival of warmer and drier weather this spring,” BC Wildfire Service stated in a news release.

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Previous wildfire sites are monitored and overwintering fires usually occur well within the original fire’s perimeter, but the public is asked to report any wildfire smoke they see, as well as unattended campfires and open burning violations.

This can be done by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.

The organization is also advising the public that smoke may be visible while it conducts a prescribed burn near Crater Mountain 15 kilometres west of Keremeos, which started on Tuesday.

The 192-hectare burn is the first phase of a multi-year project intended to improve bighorn sheep habitat and reduce wildfire threats to nearby community, BC Wildfire Service said.

Last month, the provincial 2019 budget announced a 58 per cent increase to for wildfire management, now totalled at $101 million annually.

BC Wildfire Service said the funding will help them add more crews, enhance aerial capacity and spend more on fire prevention.

It’s also piloting new night vision goggles and other technology this summer.