This is where cold hard facts give way to the hottest of takes, mostly mine I suppose. I’m the editor, Marshall Jones.

Want to include yours? Listen, this isn’t the comment section, this isn’t social media. Discussion and debate requires context and a wee bit of bravery — we need your name and where you’re writing from. Include it in your account or email me anytime.

The fire season we all suspected was coming has arrived.

In Summerland, a person died trying to escape a Rank 6 wildfire. If you know your fire stuff — and at this point, who doesn’t — Rank 6 is terrifying, starts its own fires ahead of itself.

Many homes have been lost in or near Summerland; it’s astonishing that so many cleared out so fast.

Folks, I don’t have to tell you, it’s dry out there. It’s barely the second week of August. BC has declared a state of emergency and I see some folks calling for a backcountry ban.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m still in shock at how quickly the Bald Range fire grew, my worries about my own home or if I just really want a pause on the smoke and danger — but I’m inclined to agree. Not strongly, though.

It didn’t go over well in Nova Scotia last year, and I kind of get it. We’re all in this together, the careless along with the amazing people fighting these fires and keeping us safe. It feels wrong to give up now on a basic liberty, but at the same time I think we can’t keep doing the same thing every year to get the same result.

Am I letting my worries get to me? Email me at mjones@infonews.ca.

Marshall Jones

Managing Editor

iN DISCUSSION

Why information officer kept camera rolling even as he fled B.C. wildfire with family

Goodness, when our forests are a dire risk from human caused fires – catalytic converters, ATV motors, cigarette butts, illegal campfires, etc – and we suffer the extremely high costs from wildfires , financial, emotional, and physical, it is not reasonable to suggest that a ban should not be in place.

If humans insist on going out into sensitive, dry areas and put us all in danger without considering those dangers, then they need a ban. BC needs a total ban. We are in a state of emergency.

It is not about people’s individual sense of entitlement and desire to play with matches if Mommy tells them they shouldn’t.

It is about the safety of all residents, continuation of biodiversity, and health of the economy, including agriculture and food sustainability.

— Lori Goldman, Penticton via email

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