WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service is encouraging members of the public and industry personnel to exercise extreme caution when conducting any outdoor burning due to the warmer weather, increased winds and lower humidity levels that are predicted within the Cariboo Fire Centre over the weekend.
Over the past 48 hours the Cariboo Region has experienced 12 wildfires. The majority of these wildfires are currently classified as Under Control; however, some have presented significant challenges to suppression and containment efforts. Please exercise extreme caution when conducting outdoor burning.
There are currently no open burning prohibitions in effect within the Cariboo Fire Centre. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe manner and in accordance with regulations. Before lighting any fire, it is advised to monitor the upcoming weather forecast and check with your local governments to see if any local burning restrictions are in place.
Anyone conducting an outdoor burn must adhere to the following precautions:
- Ensure that adequate resources are on hand to control the fire and stop it from spreading;
- Never burn in windy conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly, and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material and start new fires;
- Create an appropriately sized fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material, right down to the mineral soil;
- Never leave a fire unattended;
- Make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.
The Cariboo Fire Centre would like to remind all burn registration holders that there is always potential for winter burn piles to “holdover” until the spring. What this means is that burn piles can burn deep and smoulder until the spring. When the weather warms, these smouldering fires can become more active and turn into a wildfire.
Burn registration holders, both current and over the past winter, are encouraged to check on piles that were burned throughout the winter to ensure they are fully extinguished ahead of the Category 3 prohibition coming into effect on Thursday, May 4, 2023.
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