I’d like to congratulate Williams Lake’s Kids Running for Kids, all of their parents and supporters who helped them on their amazing journey.
They ran from Williams Lake to the Vancouver Children’s Hospital in an incredibly impressive fundraising effort and arrived at their destination on Saturday. Their energetic and caring nature can be matched by very few and it was a terrific undertaking.
The temperatures are creeping up here in the Cariboo and there will be a continued drying trend, but so far we’ve not yet experienced any major forest fires. You may have noticed, however, there is a discernible haze in the air. What might surprise you though is where this haze is coming from — Environment Canada meteorologist David Wray says the smoke originally thought to be coming from the U.S. is actually making its way here from Siberia, suggesting major forest fire activity over there. While there are currently no campfire bans in the Cariboo Fire Centre, there are still some restrictions.
According to bcwildfire.ca, effective April 2, the size of fires within the region has been restricted, which prohibits the burning of any waste, slash or other materials (piled or unpiled) at a size larger than one metre by one metre; the burning of more than two open fires of any size at the same time; and stubble or grass fires of any size over any area. Campfires should be no larger than half a metre in width and height. The fire danger rating throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre is moderate in the northwest, low in the east but high throughout the southwestern areas.
Check with authorities to find out if there are restrictions in your area and consider wind conditions. If the wind is strong enough to carry sparks to combustible material, do not burn. Keep fires at a reasonable distance away from any flammable materials or structures; keep camping fires small — the best cooking fire is small and hot; keep a shovel and at least eight litres of water nearby in case the fire escapes; never leave a camp fire unattended; and extinguish fires by stirring water into the ashes until it is cold to the touch — hot coals can reignite fires. If you need help planning your burning activities, contact the Cariboo Wildfire Management Branch Fire Centre at 250-989-2600.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for the Cariboo-Chilcotin.
