By John Boivin  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Residents of BC should prepare for a prolonged and difficult forest fire season, emergency and firefighting officials said last week. “It is vitally important that every member of our community, every individual and every household be prepared for what is coming as well,” Bronwin Ma, the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness told reporters last week. “Put together a plan, get your grab-and-go kit together, stay informed. Stay calm, be alert, and be prepared.” Ma made the sobering comments as part of a look-ahead to the forest fire season, which is already well underway. Officials say almost half a million hectares have been burned by fires to date in 2023, the 10-year average by this time of year is only about 20,000 hectares.

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