Canada’s summer forecast by AccuWeather reads like a teaser for a disaster movie.
“Severe storms to strike East; hot, dry weather to worsen drought, exacerbate wildfires in West.”
Sounds like the world is coming to an end.
AccuWeather says much of Canada is in for a very warm summer, with extended periods of dry weather. The most intense heat will focus on BC and Alberta, while the threat of damaging storms will stretch across Ontario and Quebec.
The primary threat with severe storms will likely be gusty winds and flooding downpours.
It’s time to stop watching disaster films and start cuddling up to Nicholas Sparks’ romantic dramas.
Unfortunately, the wildfire season got off to a quick start this year with the Fort McMurray blaze, which is still burning over 500,000 hectares, and may end up being the costliest disaster in Canadian history.
Once again, we can look forward to hazy skies in the Okanagan this summer as fires from all over BC and the US contribute to poor air quality.
While we can’t control mother nature, we can certainly control our actions when it comes to global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.
But on a local scale, we can be extremely cautious with fire and flammables. Many wildfires are caused by careless humans, so we implore people to be aware of the hazards.
There is no need for campfires this time of year; they should be prohibited once the weather turns warm in May.
And to people who throw their cigarette butts out the window – they should be sentenced to picking up every butt within a span of five miles along Highway 97.
There is currently an open burning prohibition in the region, so we can only hope that everyone complies with it.
Oliver was fortunate that it didn’t lose more homes during the Wilson Mountain fire last summer. So it falls on everyone’s shoulders to ensure that their community doesn’t become a fire victim again.
Consider potential fuels that can easily ignite near your home. Are your exterior walls, doors, windows, eaves and roof fire smart?
Interface fires often start as small accidental ignitions. Plan ahead to reduce the risk.
Lyonel Doherty, editor
