Extreme winds forecast for the Cariboo Fire Centre



WILLIAMS LAKE –– Southeast wind gusts of 60-70 kilometres per hour are forecast for the entire Cariboo Fire Centre, reaching up to 80 kilometres per hour on Monday.

South to southeast winds of 15 to 20 kilometres per hour with gusts of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour are expected today, increasing overnight. On Monday, September 25, southeast winds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour are expected with gusts of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour, reaching 80 kilometres per hour in the Chilcotin Fire Zone. On Tuesday, September 26, south to southeast winds are expected to decrease to 20 kilometres per hour with gusts of 40 kilometres per hour.

With the increased winds, residents and commuters should expect to see increased smoke and fire activity coming from existing wildfires. Personnel and other resources remain on-site and available to action wildfires throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre should they be required.

Although Category 1 campfires remain permissible in parts of the Cariboo Fire Centre, we are advising the public to ensure to make responsible decisions regarding the use of Category 1 campfires for the 72 hours.

The Cariboo Fire Centre would like to remind the public to consider wind and weather conditions when recreating and having campfires in permissible areas. It is important to follow all area prohibitions and Category 1 campfire regulations.

A campfire is defined as an open fire that burns piled material no larger than 0.5 metres high and 0.5 metres wide. The following precautions must be in place when lighting or making use of a campfire:

  • There is ready access to a shovel or at least eight litres of water the entirety of the time the campfire is lit
  • There is a fuel break around the campfire, free of any debris or combustible materials
  • The fire is fully extinguished and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the campfire for any length of time

Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert critical resources away from naturally caused fires. Always practice safe, responsible open fire use.

Category 2 and 3 fires remain prohibited throughout the entirety of the Cariboo Fire Centre including the Tsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area. Prohibitions apply to all public and private lands unless otherwise specified (e.g. in an enactment or local government bylaw). Please check with your local authorities before lighting any fire.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

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Contact:

BC Wildfire Service

Fire Information Officer

Cariboo Fire Centre

778-799-2100

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect