The fire season has started with strong winds, mainly from the southwest. On February 15, a change to northwest winds and a 30-degree temperature resulted in crossover (when humidity levels fall below temperature levels), and all operations were shut down at 3pm.
Currently we have a drought code of 480 with 100% curing of grass and fine fuels resulting in a high fire danger classification. (Drought codes are a rating of the average moisture content of deep, compact, organic layers. Codes above 301 are considered extreme and extensive.)
Looking ahead to March and April we may have some issues with any northwest winds or high temperatures, which may result in work restrictions being imposed.
A new dip-filling pond (pictured above) is under construction in Berwick Forest to replace the Dip Road pond, which is no longer suitable.