Lower wildfire risk expected to continue on Vancouver Island until mid-July

The B.C. Wildfire Service says wildfire risk on Vancouver Island is expected to stay fairly low until midJuly, helped by cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Officials say the island has avoided the higher fire danger seen in other parts of British Columbia so far. Christi Howes, a fire information officer with the Coastal Fire Centre, said the situation could change quickly later in the summer if temperatures rise. She noted that several years of drought have left deeper fire fuels very dry, even if the surface appears moist. The Comox Valley Regional District lifted its campfire ban last week after recent weather reduced the immediate risk, though other fire restrictions remain in place and local governments can impose new bans if conditions worsen. Fire officials are reminding people to keep campfires small, never leave them unattended, and fully extinguish them with water.