An investigation of fire preparedness of forestry licensees has found that major companies are complying with the Wildfire Act, but some smaller operators are taking significant risks, according to Forest Practices Board chair Al Gorley.
The act requires those carrying out forest operations to be adequately prepared to put out a fire, should they start one, he says, adding this includes having an adequate water supply and fire tools on site, and shutting down operations early during high fire danger periods.
"We found most major licensees had some form of standard operating procedures for fire preparedness and monitored operations on a regular basis to ensure compliance. However, the fire preparedness of timber sale licensees was variable."
The investigation involved surveying and interviewing licensees in the Arrow-Boundary and 100 Mile House forest districts and visiting 34 active worksites across the province during the 2010 fire season.
Eight operations were not compliant with the legislation, Gorley says, including one major licensee, six timber sale licensees and one BC Timber Sales contractor.
In addition to looking at compliance with legislated requirements, the Forest Practices Board report also identifies best practices to provide guidance to forest licensees to enhance their fire preparedness.
Gorley notes a fire can accidentally start when machinery strikes a rock and causes sparks, when logging debris gets jammed in equipment and causes friction, or when operating equipment overheats or malfunctions.
A person responsible for starting a fire can be subject to compliance and enforcement actions, he says, adding administrative penalties can range up to $100,000.
Fire suppression costs and damages to Crown timber may also be recovered, Gorley explains, which can add up to millions of dollars.
