Williams Lake, B.C. – Crews in the  Cariboo Fire Centre have a new fire to contend with.

Located seven kilometres north of Puntzi Lake, which is about 135 kilometres west of Williams Lake, the fire was first reported yesterday afternoon.

“It is currently estimated at 182 hectares in size. There has been no significant growth since Monday,” says fire information officer Emily Epp. “The cause is under investigation.”

She says crews responded with the support of airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment.

“Four firefighters and four pieces of heavy equipment worked on the fire overnight and established control lines around the perimeter of the fire.

“Forty-nine firefighters are working on the fire today with the support of two helicopters and six pieces of heavy equipment. The wildfire is not an immediate threat to public safety or property at this time.”

Epp says crews in the Cariboo have been slightly busier this year than usual.

“As of April 1, 2016, there have been 41 fires in the Cariboo Fire Centre which have burned approximately 720 hectares. At this same time last year, there had been 40 fires that burned 667 hectares. The average in the Cariboo Fire Centre for this time of year is 36 fires that burned 675 hectares.”