100 Mile House – Spring doesn’t officially start until tonight but the BC Wildfire Service has already doused its first sizable blaze of the year in the Cariboo.

The 1.5 hectare wildfire broke out near Buffalo Creek, east of 100 Mile House, along the Canim-Hendrix Lake Road yesterday.

Fire information officer Emily Epp with the Cariboo Fire Centre says it was likely human-caused and was quickly knocked down by members of the 100 Mile House Fire Department and the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department.

“At this time the fire is in the stages of mop-up and it was never a threat and it’s not a concern any longer.”

And though the fire came early in the season, she says it’s not that unusual.

“We usually do see fire activity at this time of year because with the snow melting and the dead grass drying out so quickly, fires can get away on people. Human-caused fires are mostly what we see this time of year.”

Epp says that’s why they’re asking people to be cautious with any open burning – especially with windy conditions expected all weekend.

“These fires are an indication of the dry conditions this spring and how fires can spread quickly, especially when driven by wind.”

To report a wildfire, abandoned campfire or open burning violation, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.

For up-to-date fire information visit www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1-800-3-FOREST.