The BC Wildfire Service is currently responding to a wildfire south of Riske Creek, approximately 50 kilometres west of Williams Lake on Bald Mountain. The fire is currently estimated at 500 hectares in size.
Crews and heavy equipment are currently on site working to establish guard around the perimeter of the fire. The fire is believed to have been caused by lightning and no structures are currently threatened.
On Friday afternoon crews will be conducting a burn off operation on the northern flank of the fire to further establish control lines. This controlled burn will increase the size of the fire but reduce the amount of unburnt fuel within the perimeter. “Burning off” is essentially using fire to fight fire. Crews built control lines along the fire perimeter so when conditions are favourable, like this afternoon, a controlled fire can be lit between those control lines and the wildfire. This removes fuel from the fire’s path and ensures the wildfire has less chance or reaching, and breaching, resisting fire guards.
Smoke will be highly visible from Highway 20 as well as from surrounding areas.
Residents are reminded to sign up for the Cariboo-Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news. Register by visiting the Cariboo Regional District website www.cariboord.ca or by calling their office at 250-392-3351.
To report smoke, flames or an unattended open fire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on a cellphone. For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity visit: www.bcwildfire.ca.