Prince George, B.C. – The BC Wildfire Service is advising communities   already under evacuation alert to  be prepared for possible evacuation.Environment Canada had issued  a special weather statement earlier today  ( see previous story)  and now the BC Wildfire Service says the wind  in the Cariboo could gust  up to 70 kms per hour  in some areas.

These winds are expected to persist well into Sunday.

Given the current wildfire situation throughout the Interior, the BC Wildfire Service anticipates that this weather system will lead to a substantial increase in wildfire activity throughout the region.

This wind could cause significant growth of current wildfires and new fires may burn and spread aggressively. Firefighting crews have spent the last few days preparing for this wind event, but containment efforts will be challenged by hot and dry conditions and gusting winds.

Given the proximity of existing wildfires to communities, infrastructure and transportation corridors, people throughout the Cariboo region and the southern Interior should be prepared for potential evacuations.

Provincial parks and recreation sites in the Cariboo are already closed to the public. The BC Wildfire Service urges everyone to also stay out of the backcountry in the affected areas, given the potential for extreme fire behaviour.