High winds forecast across the Cariboo



WILLIAMS LAKE – High winds are forecast throughout the Cariboo with gusts up to 45 kilometres. Industry partners and members of the public are reminded to be vigilant and we recommend returning to check any burn piles or stacks that have been previously extinguished. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and divert firefighting resources away from naturally occurring wildfires in the region.

This spring has seen unseasonably windy, dry and hot conditions that have resulted in 58 fires with a total of 1,797 hectares burned within the Cariboo region, with the majority being human caused.

A reminder that 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. The following activities and use of the following equipment, materials and substances are also prohibited:

  • Fireworks
  • Sky lanterns
  • Burn barrels or burn cages of any size or description
  • Binary exploding targets
  • Air curtain banners

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 on campfire safety and responsibilities:

  • 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
  • Must be completely extinguished and ashes cool to the touch before leaving the area

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.

You can follow the latest wildfire news:

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