This year is shaping up to be one of the quieter fire seasons for the Cariboo Fire Centre (CFC) in recent years, with lower than average numbers so far in 2016.
The CFC has responded to 105 fires in the region this year, affecting a total of 809 hectares.
Usually by the end of summer, the CFC has been called to an average of 242 fires burning 32,760 hectares, according to data collected between 2005 and 2016.
In the 100 Mile House area, 27 fires have been reported covering 28 hectares.
One of the biggest fires in the Cariboo region this year was located three kilometres south of Nazko in early April, and measured 398 hectares at its largest, but it didn't threaten any homes or buildings. Another fire seven kilometres north of Puntzi in May burned 200 hectares, and represented the only fire of note for the CFC this year.
Fire crews – including air tankers, helicopters and heavy equipment – had the fire 100 per cent contained within two days of it being reported. Five days later, crews were still on scene working to locate any remaining hot spots.
In other areas of the Cariboo, crews responded to 22 fires in the Quesnel area covering 429 hectares, 36 fires in the Cariboo Chilcotin East covering 47 hectares, and 19 fires in the Cariboo Chilcotin West, for a total of 305 hectares.
While CFC firefighting crews weren't as busy locally this year, they did lend a hand in the Peace region in early May and in Fort McMurray a few weeks later when wildfires caused considerable damage to the northern Alberta town.
Crews were also able to undertake additional fuel-management projects and training throughout the quieter-than-normal season.
A category 3 fire prohibition that had been in place since April was lifted Sept. 9, due to a decreased wildfire risk.
The current fire danger rating is listed as low to moderate, as a result of recent mild and rainy weather.