BC Wildfire Service is urging public to use caution when burning

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is calling on the public and industry personnel to use extreme caution when having an outdoor burning.

This comes as the Cariboo Fire Centre predicts the region will have warmer weather, increased winds, and lower humidity levels over the weekend.

In a release from BCWS, in the past 48 hours, the Cariboo region has experienced 12 wildfires, with the majority being under control.

However, they say that some fires have posed significant challenges to suppress and contain.

Anyone conducting an outdoor burn should follow precautions listed by the BCWS:

• 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.

Before lighting a fire, the BCWS advises those to monitor the upcoming weather forecast, and check with the local government for any burning restrictions.

There is also a category 3 open fire prohibition planned for May 4th, in effect across the Cariboo region.