Two new wildfires have been reported in the South Cariboo, one north of Watch Lake Road and the other behind the Canim Lake General Store.

Cariboo Fire Centre information officer Jessica Mack confirmed both fires are known to the fire centre. A BC Wildfire team is currently travelling to the Watch Lake fire, which is located about a kilometre north of Watch Lake Road.

“The (Watch Lake) wildfire was discovered this afternoon and is suspected to be lightning-caused. It is estimated to be five hectares in size and there are five firefighters working that incident,” Mack said.

On Friday afternoon, Mack said that skimmers and tankers were used to fight the wildfire. Two pieces of heavy equipment have also been deployed to create a fire break as a contingency guard. This operation will continue into Friday night, Mack said, to fully establish the guard.

The fires are among 44 being battled across the Cariboo, as of Friday.

More to come.

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