The Cariboo Fire Centre (CFC) has issued a warning that high winds are forecast throughout the Cariboo with gusts up to 45 kilometres expected.
“Industry partners and members of the public are reminded to be vigilant, 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,” notes the warning.
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, said the CFC.
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
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
Must be completely extinguished and ashes cool to the touch before leaving the area
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
