Cariboo Fire Centre (CFC) and Wildfire Management Branch (WMB) weather stations report that the fire danger rating is extreme for the following areas: Middle Lake, Riske Creek and Tatla Lake in the Chilcotin, as well as the Likely region.
The fire danger rating is forecast to continue to rise this week throughout the entire Cariboo-Chilcotin region due to warm, dry weather and low relative humidity. There is also a good possibility of lightning storms on the weekend.
As of Wednesday afternoon, July 24, there have been a total of 65 wildfires in the CFC so far this season, 50 person-caused and 15 lightning-caused, burning 1,071 hectares.
The Chilcotin zone has accounted for 26 of the person-caused fires, while the Central Cariboo/Williams Lake and Horsefly/Likely zones have had 14 person-caused fires.
The CFC would like to again remind the public there is an open burning prohibition in place for the entire Cariboo-Chilcotin region, banning any backyard and industrial waste, slash or grass fires. The CFC also urges the public to be vigilant with any type of fire use, including campfires and fireworks, and to properly and safely extinguish cigarettes.
Wildfires can also be sparked by industrial and recreational machinery in these types of conditions.
The CFC covers an area of about 10.3-million hectares, stretching from Clinton north to the Cottonwood River, east to Wells Gray Provincial Park, and west to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cellphone. For more information on open fire restrictions or for updates on current wildfire activity, visit bcwildfire.ca