BC Wildfire Service crews are continuing suppression efforts on a wildfire burning in the Homathko River-Tatlayoko Protected Area, about 220 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake.

The BC Wildfire Service has 50 firefighters and three helicopters working on this fire. Airtankers have also been used to support the work of ground crews. The fire is currently 29 hectares in size. It is in a remote area and no communities or structures are being threatened at this time.

The fire is burning within a region of the Homathko River-Tatlayoko Protected Area that has a BC Parks wildfire response plan in place that calls for full response to wildfires where feasible to do so. There are significant wildlife values and recreational opportunities in this area.

Fire danger ratings have continued to climb throughout much of the Cariboo Fire Centre over the past few days. Most areas in the Cariboo Fire Centre now have “moderate” fire danger ratings, with “high” and “extreme” ratings in some local areas, particularly in the southwest and northwest. Fire danger ratings will likely continue to increase until significant precipitation is received.

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

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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