A drought that’s persisted for a year and a half is likely to lead to a “grim” 2024 wildfire season, forecasters warn.
A drought that has lingered across much of B.C. since the fall of 2022 could be a harbinger of a “grim” wildfire season, forecasters are warning.
While none is listed as a wildfire of note — which indicates a fire that is significant in scale or threatens people and property — it’s a worrying predictor of what might be ahead leading into summer. A generally warming climate thus prolongs and intensifies drought. “It’s a massive piece if temperatures are warming,” he said.
The provincial budget calls for $154 million more operating cash and $21 million in capital over the next three years for added wildfire response, recovery and infrastructure resources, the ministry said in a statement. For example, Castellan said B.C.’s northeast plunged to lows in the minus-40s Celsius in January before a sudden swing into the positive teens.