BC Wildfire Service crews are responding to a 14-hectare wildfire burning in the Homathko River-Tatlayoko Protected Area, near the junction of the Homathko River and Mosley Creek, about 220 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake.

The BC Wildfire Service has 29 firefighters and two helicopters working on this fire. Airtankers have also been used to support the work of ground crews. The fire is in a remote area and no communities or structures are being threatened at this time.

In spite of recent precipitation in parts of the Cariboo Fire Centre, the fire danger rating where the fire is burning is currently “high”. Fire danger ratings have increased throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre over the last few days and will likely continue to do so in response to the hot and dry weather forecasted for the region.

It takes very little time for fine forest fuels such as grass and small twigs to dry out and become more flammable in these conditions. The public is urged to use caution while doing any Category 2 open burning and to fully extinguish campfires before leaving the area for any length of time.

Category 3 fires are still prohibited throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre. A poster explaining the different categories of open burning is available online at: http://ow.ly/jdO5301kS32

Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, please call 1 888 663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.

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

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