Wineries across the Okanagan are expressing concern as new and aggressive wildfires are burning at what is a critical time in the summer growing season.
Ben Stewart, former MLA for Kelowna West and founder of Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, says he is worried about how the blazes will affect grape production on his 50-acre vineyard.
“We’re just coming up on veraison, when grapes go from hard to soft and they can absorb smoke,” Stewart said.
“It’s a real risk for smoke taint in winemaking.”
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He hopes the fires will not impact tourism in the area, which has so far been a very good season for the Okanagan tourism industry.
“Depending on when the fires happen, they affect not only visitor numbers but also the quality of food and wine,” he said.
Stewart says the current blazes aren’t the biggest the area has faced, but it is still concerning.
“The wildfire in Peachland is small compared to others we’ve seen, but the fact it shut down two major highways shows how disruptive even a relatively small fire can be.”
Having been the MLA for the area and having dealt with similar conditions in previous years, Stewart says it is important to focus on fire prevention and preparedness.
“We certainly support the government and FireSmart programs… but I think we need more proactive fire prevention, not just containment after the fact,” he said.
“I wish that Ravi Parmar, the forests minister, would consider some of the very practical solutions proposed by COFI [Council of Forest Industries].”
Half of the wildfires burning in B.C. on Thursday were sparked in the previous 24 hours after more than 13,000 lightning strikes and high temperatures. Residents in 400 properties have been subject to evacuation alerts and orders, some of which have been lifted. Environment Canada says the hot spell is expected to ease Friday.
