Williams Lake, B.C. – The BC Wildfire Service says firefighters have made progress on two fires of note burning in the Cariboo.

“The fire 40 kilometres southwest of Lac La Hache is still being held,” says fire information officer Natasha Broznitsky. “The suppression action taken on the fire is sufficient in that it’s not likely to spread beyond the existing boundaries under the prevailing forecasted conditions.”

An image of the fire burning 40 kilometres southwest of Lac La Hache – photo courtesy BC Wildfire Service

As a result, she says the 36-hectare fire – which was sparked by lightning Friday – is no longer being classified as “out of control.”

“No, this fire has been downgraded from out of control to being held so good news there. It did not threaten public safety or homes at any time. It did start in close proximity to provincial transmission lines but authorities were notified and there’s been no change in the fire’s proximity to those lines.”

As for the fire that started 20 kilometers west of Tatla Lake and 200 kilometres west of Williams Lake yesterday Broznitsky says there’s good news to report there too.

“Air tankers responded, followed closely by firefighting crews as well as a helicopter and heavy equipment. So today, we’ve been able to classify the fire as under control,” she says.

“And we initially had estimated the fire to be six hectares in size but a more accurate map of the fire actually put it at 3.3 hectares. Today we have 16 firefighters on site as well as one helicopter and one piece of heavy equipment.

“The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the fire does not threaten any homes or property at this time.”

Despite the progress, she warns conditions are ripe for more fire activity later this week.

“As of noon June 29, we will be implementing a campfire ban in the Chilcotin. So, we are asking people to check the bans and restrictions page on the BC Wildfire Service website before heading out camping,” she says.

“And regardless of where you are this weekend we are showing high to extreme fire danger ratings across most of the Cariboo Fire Centre. So be careful spending any time outdoors and please report any fires, open burning violations or abandoned campfires to 1-800-663-5555 or star 5555 on your cellphone.”