Since April 1, 2014, the Cariboo Fire Centre (CFC) has responded to seven wildfires that have burned about 20 hectares.
All of these fires were human-caused and the result of careless fire use.
The CFC urges the public to use caution and pay attention to weather conditions when conducting open burns.
As this week’s incidents demonstrate, almost all fires that start at this time of the year are human-caused and are, therefore, preventable.
Spring burning can present significant fire risks even though it may seem like a safe time to burn. Moisture is present in the soil, but grasses can dry out quickly due to increasing temperatures and wind.
Fires that start in these fuels can spread very rapidly, especially when driven by wind.
Wildfire Management Branch crews have responded to all seven of this week’s incidents and the majority are now in the mop-up or patrol stage.
• On April 9, 16 fire and first aid personnel were onsite at a 4.2-ha fire one kilometre east of Lees Corner, near Hanceville. Five personnel returned April 10 to patrol the fire and completely extinguish it.
• CFC personnel responded to a two-ha fire on April 10 night on the Tl’esqox-t’in (Toosey) Indian Reserve. Local RCMP and BC Hydro staff also responded, and this incident is under investigation.
By this time last year, the CFC had responded to three fires that burned a total of 25 ha.
Refer to Wildfire Management Branch’s April 9 information bulletin for more information on safe burning practices:
http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=2114.
