Effective at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017, area restrictions that are currently in place around many wildfires in the Cariboo will be rescinded, due to a return to seasonal weather conditions and reduced fire activity.

The only area restriction order affecting land within the Cariboo Fire Centre that will remain in place is the one around the Elephant Hill wildfire. For more information about this area restriction, please visit: http://ow.ly/7OJV30ft3qX  

The BC Wildfire Service reminds members of the public that wildfires are active worksites with ongoing fire suppression efforts and rehabilitation planning underway. Hunters and recreationalists are urged to use extreme caution in areas where fires are still burning. Even if an area restriction has been rescinded around a fire, officials engaged in fire control (including firefighters) have the authority under the Wildfire Act and its regulations to order anyone to leave the area.

Before entering areas that have been affected by wildfire, members of the public should be aware that there may be significant safety hazards present. Trees that have been damaged by fire might be unstable and could fall down at any time. Ash pits can be hard to detect and can remain hot long after the flames have died down.

People can expect to still see smoldering ground fires and smoke within the perimeters of wildfires over the coming weeks. This is common with large wildfires and it may continue for some time. If you see smoke coming from well within a fire’s perimeter and the area is surrounded by black, burned material, this is typically not a concern. However, smoke rising from green, unburned fuel or from outside a fire’s perimeter should be reported immediately.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

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