Clinton-area ranchers want answers on backburn issues

Aug 14, 2017 | 7:12 AM

CLINTON — Ranchers in the south Cariboo upset with damage they say is from controlled burns set off to combat the Elephant Hill wildfire are releasing new video they claim justifies their concerns.

Spokesman John McNamer says the videos are being released along with a letter to Forests Minister Doug Donaldson asking for assurances that all documents relating to the controlled burns in the area are preserved and made available to property owners.

The Clinton-area ranchers say they believe the B.C. Wildfire Service mismanaged the ignition.

Wildfire officials have admitted a backburn went awry and created problems in the area, but they have always maintained it was the result of a shift in the winds that created the burn getting out of hand.