The BC Wildfire Service is asking the public to be extra cautious with any outdoor activities in the Cariboo Fire Centre this weekend, due to dry conditions and high winds.

Cooler temperatures, cloudy skies and scattered showers are in the forecast for some areas of the Cariboo Fire Centre. However, significant precipitation is not expected in the driest areas of the region, including the Chilcotin and South Cariboo areas where the fire danger rating ranges from “high” to “extreme”. High winds are expected throughout the region this weekend.

In dry and windy conditions, forests and grasslands are very susceptible to wildfires. Human-caused wildfires are entirely preventable and they can divert valuable resources from the battle against naturally occurring fires, including those sparked by lightning.

Please remember to use caution with all outdoor recreational activities.

• If a campfire is allowed in your area, it must be surrounded by a fuel break.
• A minimum of eight litres of water or a hand tool must be readily available to completely extinguish the campfire if it escapes, and before you leave the area for any length of time.
• Do not light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.

Keep in mind that cigarettes that have not been disposed of properly, vehicle exhaust and sparks from equipment can easily ignite a wildfire. Members of the public are encouraged to park motorcycles or ATVs in areas where the exhaust system is not close to combustible material. Installing an approved spark arrestor on the exhaust system can also help prevent wildfires.

Members of the public are encouraged to help prevent human-caused wildfires by reporting unattended campfires and open burning violations, including unsafe or oversized campfires. To report a wildfire or other fire-related concerns, please call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or dial *5555 on a cellphone.

A campfire ban remains in effect west of the Fraser River within the Cariboo Fire Centre’s jurisdiction. Campfires are allowed east of the Fraser River, but must not be larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

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