BC Fire Officials Warn of Increased Fire Risk Due to Drought
Rick van Kesteren reports 93 fires in April. Drought conditions in BC's Interior increase fire risk. Snowpack at 92% of normal in BC, but long-term deficits in central Interior. Metro Vancouver bans lawn watering due to low snowpack (50% of normal) and water usage increase. 2,400 applicants for 1,300 seasonal firefighter positions. Van Kesteren notes difficulty in forecasting, preparing for worst. El Nino expected this summer may intensify fire risks based on precipitation