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A responseto wildfires

Dry conditions and wildfires are always a concern, especially in the B.C. Interior, where we have seen the results of wildfires close to cities, towns and settlements.
7738313_web1_BC-Wildfire-Service

Dry conditions and wildfires are always a concern, especially in the B.C. Interior, where we have seen the results of wildfires close to cities, towns and settlements.

This year’s fire season has already affected parts of central and southern British Columbia. A fire ban is in place provincewide.

It is easy to exaggerate or panic during a serious fire season, but overreacting can have its own serious consequences.

Earlier this year, while Okanagan Lake experienced some of the highest water levels on record, some potential visitors chose to go elsewhere because of the flooding reports.

Beaches and lake attractions on Okanagan Lake were affected, but many other attractions were open as usual. Still, the flooding took a toll on local tourism-related businesses, with some Summerland businesses noticing visitor numbers down by 15 to 30 per cent.

This was unfortunate. Unless someone was coming to the area exclusively for lake activities, there was still plenty available for tourists.

The same thing could happen during this summer’s fire season.

If B.C. residents overemphasize the fires and evacuations, the result could be a significant downturn in the tourist numbers.

Even though wildfires are burning, B.C. parks remain open to campers. The only inconvenience is the campfire ban. The majority of tourist attractions are also open for business, even if the scent of smoke is in the air.

The message is important.

It is fair and accurate to state that there are fires burning in British Columbia, and that some homes and communities have been affected as a result of the fires. It is fair to discuss the campfire ban and to remind everyone to exercise caution.

However, to state that the province is on fire is an unfair exaggeration. Such a message could have far-reaching effects.