Strong winds forecast for the Cariboo Fire Centre



WILLIAMS LAKE – The Cariboo Fire Centre is forecast to see increased winds with very high to extreme Initial Spread Index values over the western and southern ends of the fire centre as a cold front moves into the northwestern corner of the province. Low humidity values elevate Fine Fuel Moisture Code values in the Chilcotin, southern Williams Lake and 100 Mile House zones.

Southwest winds of 25 to 30 kilometres per hour with gusts of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour are expected today and diminishing overnight. On Sept. 16, southwest winds of 20 to 30 kilometres per hour are expected with gusts of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. On Sept. 17 south to southwest winds are expected to decrease to 15 to 20 kilometres per hour with gusts of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour.

With the increased winds, residents can expect to see increased smoke and activity coming from existing fires. Personnel and other resources remain on-site on wildfires throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre and additional resources are available on stand-by should they be required.

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.

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.

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.

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