The Cariboo Fire Centre had a fairly calm long weekend and is seeing some action this week in advance of increased hot, dry conditions forecast for the Cariboo.
As of Wednesday, there were three new fires in the Cariboo, two in the 100 Mile House Fire Zone.
The first is described as 2.1 km south of Enterprise Lake which was listed as 1.2 hectares in size as of Wednesday, July 5. Discovered on Tuesday, July 4 at just after 6 p.m., BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews were dispatched with heavy equipment. Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters were being used to support the ground crews as well in their firefighting efforts as of Tuesday. Two contract crews were called in on Wednesday to assist the BCWS crews.
Another spot fire was also discovered around 7:30 a.m. on July 5, southeast of Roundup Lake and BCWS crews attended the fire. Crews updated the fire status to under control the same day and were working to put the fire out.
A fire just east of Bull Canyon recreation site was also discovered early Wednesday morning, with initial attack crews heading to the spot fire. They considered the fire under control and it reportedly spread to the surrounding area from a vehicle fire.
Lightning leading up to July long weekend and increased recreational activity meant daily fixed wing aircraft patrols flew over parts of the Cariboo.
BC Wildfire Services (BCWS) followed up on eight initial fire reports over the weekend, actioning three fires with the support of local contract crews.
Some of the initial reports resulted in crews finding no fire activity, and some required a modified response.
Three existing fires in the Quesnel Lake area continue to be monitored, including the Elbow Lake Fire, which was scanned using an infrared scanner on July 2, and will continue to be actioned as required, according to BCWS.
Smoke in the region is a result of northerly winds bringing smoke in from northern B.C. and Alberta, where large fires are still active.
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As the weather continues to heat up, and with some near-record temperatures in the forecast, BCWS expects to bring a campfire prohibition back if temperatures persist with no rain.
Members of the public are asked to always check for current campfire bans in the area before lighting up and always use safe fire practices.
The only safe way to leave a campfire is fully extinguished and it is a requirement to always have water or a hand tool immediately available.
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