The Ministry of Forests keeps issuing pleas to British Columbians to be vigilant because of the current high risk of fire across the province, but it appears the agency is more words than action.
So far, residents along Yankee Flats and McTavish roads have been ignored when they demand that the Kelly Main Forest Service Road be shut down until fire restrictions are lifted.
Across B.C., homes have been destroyed by fire and thousands have evacuated. Yankee Flats residents don’t want to be next.
But the reality is they could based on the actions of others. Abandoned campfires have been found while the ground is littered with discarded cigarettes. The area is also popular for target practice but broken glass could ignite a blaze.
Closing a road may seem extreme but do people need to be in parts of the backcountry right now? Does the right to shoot bottles supersede those of residents, who fear for their property and lives? Also remember that there is an open burning ban right now so any campfires are illegal.
Obviously enforcement of a road closure is challenging as the ministry can’t have staff stationed there 24-hours a day. However, posting closure signs would allow authorities to hand out fines if someone has broken the rules.
With this year already becoming one of the worst on record for wildfires in B.C., the Ministry of Forests needs to do more to minimize the situation.