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There are approximately 2,000 wildfires in British Columbia each year. Of those, roughly half are person-caused, while the other half are lightning-caused.
Person-caused wildfires are those related to abandoned campfires, smoking, logging, railroads, brush or range burns, construction, recreationalists and arson. All person-caused wildfires are preventable. You can help prevent wildfires.
In an attempt to reduce the number of person-caused fires, the B.C. Forest Service has an extensive fire prevention program which targets the general public, the forest industry, communities, property owners and other stakeholders. Our program includes:
Fire Awareness
- radio advertisements
- newspaper advertisements
- highway signs
- Smokey Bear program
- pamphlets/brochures
- posters
- 1-888-3-FOREST fire information line
Community Involvement
- local fire department liaison and co-operative agreements
- "FireSmart" community planning
- home owner precautions
- school presentations
- fire wardens and fire prevention officers (644)
- working with other agencies to develop fire-smart provincial, regional and local government guidelines, by-laws and legislation
Monitoring
For more information, contact your local Fire Centre and ask to speak to the Fire Centre's Prevention Specialist.
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