High winds expected across the Cariboo



WILLIAMS LAKE- High winds are forecast throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre this weekend with gusts up to 50-60 kilometres per hour. Members of the public are reminded to be vigilant when recreating in the outdoors. Campfires must not be left unattended for any length of time and must be fully extinguished, and cold to the touch, before leaving the area.

This spring has seen unseasonably windy, dry and hot conditions that have resulted in 74 fires with a total of 2870 hectares burned within the Cariboo region, with the majority being human caused.

Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert firefighting resources away from naturally occurring wildfires in the region.

The current prohibitions do not ban campfires or cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes within The Cariboo Fire Centre. A reminder to the public about campfire safety and responsibilities are as follows:

  • No larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide
  • Must have a fire guard around the campfire
  • Must have ready access to 8 litres of water or a shovel for the entire time the campfire is lit
  • Never leave the campfire unattended
  • The ashes of a campfire must be cool to the touch before leaving the area

A reminder that currently, there are Category 2 and Category 3 prohibitions in place throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre including the Tsilhqot’in (Xeni Gwet’in) Declared Title Area. As well the following activities and use of the following equipment, materials and substances are currently prohibited:

  • Fireworks
  • Sky Lanterns
  • Burn Barrels or Burn Cages of any size or description
  • Binary exploding targets
  • Air Curtain Banners
  • Chimineas

Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

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

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