Since July 2, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has responded to 10 new fires in the 100 Mile House fire zone, and all of them are suspected to be caused by lightning.
As of press time, the most recent 0.75-hectare fire flared up on July 7 and was about 1.5 kilometres north of Watch Lake, says Emily Epp, BCWS/Cariboo Fire Centre (CFC) fire information officer.
Air tankers responded quickly along with one helicopter and seven firefighters. The Watch Lake/Green Lake Volunteer Fire Department (WL/NGLVFD) assisted with this incident. There were 11 BCWS firefighter and WL/NGLVFD members were on the site on July 8.
On July 6, a 0.5-hectare wildfire popped up in the Lone Butte area and was attacked by air tankers, four BCWS firefighters who were assisted by the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD). It was under patrol and expected to be out on July 8.
There was a spot fire near the airport at the 108 Mile Ranch and it was hit by air tankers, three firefighters and a helicopter, and it was out the next day.
Weekend spot fires west of Clinton and the Painted Chasm east of 59 Mile are both out after quick responses by helicopters and firefighter.
Small fires at Sheridan Lake and seven km north of Clinton were also hit hard and quick by crews, helicopters and air tankers. They are both out.
Epp says there has been averaging around three fires a day
The BC Wildfire Service has been getting about 3 fires a day in the CFC and the BCWS has had great success in keeping them small and extinguishing them quickly.
With new fires, the goal is to have the fire fully extinguished before the next burning period, she says, the burning period refers to the time of day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when fire behaviour is most active.
“This is especially the goal during conditions like the CFC is seeing right now – the forest fuels are very dry and are continuing to dry out quickly because of the warm nights.”
Ideally, cooler nights, an increase in humidity and heavy amounts of rain would help fight forest fires, she explains.
“However, the forecasted weather does not anticipate rain for some time. The CFC is expecting lightning starting Friday and through the weekend.”
Over the weekend, Epp says the Conservation Officer Service conducted patrols on behalf of the Cariboo Fire Centre checking 72 campsites. They found six campfires, which resulted in one warning ticket and verbal requests for compliance.
A "light-handed" approach was used this weekend in the Cariboo since the prohibition came into effect on [JULY 3] and people may have not been aware of the campfire ban. However, these patrols will be ongoing throughout the summer and the campfire ban will be fully enforced.”