There’s good news to report on the wildfire front within the Cariboo Fire Centre.
Fire Information Officer Madison Dahl said as of yesterday (May 12) the Konni Lake wildfire 8 kilometres North East of the community of Xeni Gwet’in is now out.
“Currently we have 4 wildfires burning, all four of them are under control,” Dahl said, “Since April first BC Wildfire Service responded to 40 wildfires within the Cariboo Fire Centre, 38 of those are human caused.”
Dahl noted that human caused wildfires divert critical resources away from preparedness and response to naturally occurring wildfires.
“Field conditions across the Cariboo Fire Centre reflect a combination of last Summer’s drought severity, winter precipitation, and recent warm, dry, conditions despite the incoming precipitation.” Dahl said, “With warm and dry conditions and elevated winds expected to persist across the Cariboo Region, fuels will continue to dry out particularly in lower elevations further elevating wildfire risks.”
Dahl added they would also like to remind the public to abide by all open burning prohibitions and exercise caution when using campfires and associated activities.
“Category 2 and Category 3 prohibitions and all associated activities remain in effect in the Cariboo Fire Centre and the Tsilhqot’in Declared Title Area. And while Category one campfires are currently permitted within the Cariboo Fire Centre it is your responsibility to only light a fire when conditions are safe to do so and expected to remain safe.”
Dahl said if you choose to have a campfire to please follow all of the regulations and ensure your campfire is no larger than 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres, have the fuel break clear of debris and combustible materials, is not lit during windy or unsafe conditions, and is fully extinguished and cold to the touch before being left unattended.
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing cariboonews@vistaradio.ca.
