The Cariboo Fire Centre urges caution as the region can expect a hot and dry weekend with gusty winds.
"Additionally, in many areas of the Cariboo Fire Centre, grass and other brush is curing (turning brown) and therefore becoming more volatile," fire information officer Natasha Broznitsky said Friday. "Cured grass and brush allow fires to ignite and spread more easily. Late in the weekend, parts of the Cariboo, particularly the west, may receive dry lightning in addition to gusty wind conditions."
The forecasted weather conditions, along with curing grass and brush, allow fires to start and spread more easily, she warned.
Currently, the Cariboo Fire Centre is allowing campfires and Category 2 fires, while Category 3 fires are prohibited throughout the region.
Although campfires and Category 2 fires are allowed throughout the fire centre, given the weather and curing of grass and brush, we are urging anyone using a fire or spending time in the backcountry to use extreme caution.