Local fire expert explains what B.C. can learn from how California's wildfires are spreading

With wildfires causingdeaths and widespread evacuations across northern California, local fire ecologistBob Graysays B.C. can learn from California's fire season.

Gray explained toOn the CoasthostStephen Quinnthat experts focus on three main factors that alter fire behaviour: weather, topography and fuels.

"And the only one we can control is fuels," he said.

After California's years of drought, this last spring saw unusually wet weather spurring lush vegetation growth.

However, thehot,dry summer then caused the greenery to dry out, providing ample fuel for wildfires.

Gray says that after B.C's record-breaking summer, the province needs a cooler summer next year to get ahead and focus on fire management.

"A big part of that is fuels mitigation. It's also fire-hardening our communities so that if a fire does blow into the community, it stays on the ground and it's less damaging," he said.

Graysuggests having sheep, goats and cattle grazing the peripheries of communities, therefore eliminating dry grass that could spread fires into nearby neighbourhoods.

Inside communities, Gray says the best preventable method of spreading fires is keeping lawns mowed and consistently green. However, Gray acknowledges this is a resourceissue in summertime when water restriction oftenprevent people from easily watering their lawns.

Listen to the full On The Coast interview below:

• At least 15 dead, 100 injured as fires rage in California wine country
• After devastating B.C. wildfires, Interior residents thankful for community strength
• Hundreds of firefighters battling largest wildfire ever recorded in B.C.