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Why is lightning so dangerous?
The answer is found on the following page:
How does the weather influence the fire season?
During forest fire season, weather is the controlling factor in the severity and frequency of fires. Dry, hot weather rapidly increases the danger of wildfires. Conversely, in cool, damp weather there is fewer fires and when one does start, it can be brought under control more easily.
Up-to-date weather forecasts and information on the conditions in the forest are crucial for effective decision making in fire suppression and management.
Daily Fire Weather Maps (Seasonal)
FORECASTING
During fire season, the BCFS employs one full-time fire weather forecaster. Five additional forecasters are contracted from from the private sector. The forecasters are assigned to fire centres around the province.
General fire weather forecasts are issued daily by the forecasters. The forecasters add localized forecasts to enhance the accuracy on a regional basis. Upon request, the forecasters issue spot forecasts for specific sites and purposes (i.e. project fires, prescribed fires, etc.).
WEATHER STATIONS
The B.C. Forest Service has about 215 networked weather stations. In addition, the B.C. Forest Service has access to data from about 35 MSC weather stations.
Hourly weather observations for the entire province are compiled from information supplied by the B.C. Forest Service weather monitoring network. Satellite weather monitoring by MSC has increased the accuracy of weather forecasts.
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