B.C. wildfires threaten as many as 20,000 cattle, association says
VANCOUVER — Ranchers fleeing wildfires in British Columbia’s Interior are leaving behind an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 cattle, hoping the animals’ instincts will keep them safe.
The head of the B.C. Cattleman’s Association said there are a significant number of ranches established in the Cariboo region, where dozens of fires have been sparked since Thursday.
Association general manager Kevin Boon said with so many fires springing up at once and cattle dispersed across properties for summer grazing, many ranchers didn’t have time to collect and move herds.
“We’re hoping they’re staying ahead of the fire because in a lot of cases with the vastness of the area out there, you just can’t get to your cattle,” he said.