(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

Windy Conditions

BC Wildfire urges Cariboo Fire Centre residents to wait for windy conditions to pass before burning

Apr 8, 2022 | 6:55 AM

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. — BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is urging residents and industry personnel in the Cariboo Fire Centre to be extremely cautious when carrying out outdoor burning Friday (April 8).

In a news release Thursday (April 7) evening, BCWS says strong winds with gusts up to 40 to 60 km/h are forecasted for the day. While there are currently no open burning prohibitions in effect within the Cariboo Fire Centre, BCWS staff encourage people to wait for windy conditions to pass prior to burning.

“With windy conditions a grass fire can spread very quickly,” BCWS states. “It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe manner and is in accordance with regulations. Before lighting any fire, it is advised to monitor the upcoming weather forecast and check with your local governments to see if any local burning restrictions are in place.”

Anyone conducting an outdoor burn must:

• ensure that adequate resources are on hand to control the fire and stop it from spreading;
• never burn in windy conditions;
• create an appropriately sized fireguard around the planned fire site by clearing away twigs, grass, leaves and other combustible material, right down to the mineral soil;
• never leave a fire unattended;
• make sure that any fire is completely extinguished, and the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

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Burn registration holders are encouraged to check on piles that were burned throughout the winter to ensure they are fully extinguished.

The Cariboo Fire Centre stretches from Loon Lake near Clinton in the south to the Cottonwood River near Quesnel in the north, and from Tweedsmuir Provincial Park in the west to Wells Gray Provincial Park in the east.

Anyone can report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.