Cariboo Fire Information officer Jenny Fremlin says the centre responded to six human caused wildfires over the April long weekend.
The fires ranged from spot fires to fires that were 10 hectares in size.
All six fires are in the mop-up stage or patrol stage at this time, while the specific causes are under investigation.
Compared to this time period in the past the numbers sit in the middle. In 2011 there were three fires at this time and in 2010 there were nine fires, says Fremlin.
“The Cariboo fire region saw a fairly normal winter in terms of the snow pack levels, but we have found every spring that the conditions are quite dry, which is one of the reasons we put in the early spring burning prohibition,” Fremlin explains, adding because of the prohibition no permits are being given out at this time.
Anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a ticket for $345, or if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.
If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person may be subjected to a penalty of up to $10,000, and be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
The public is reminded to report all wildfires or unattended campfires by calling *5555 on a cell phone or by calling 1-800-663-5555 toll free.
