Williams Lake, B.C. – The BC Wildfire Service has put out a reminder that access to four lakes in the Cariboo region is still restricted.

They are Williams Lake, Watson Lake, Lac La Hache and Horse Lake and the restriction order has been in place since July 14.

Access has been restricted to assist with wildfire suppression efforts.

“When firefighting aircraft, such as airtankers or helicopters, are working on an active wildfire and picking up water from nearby lakes, they need plenty of room to manoeuvre to do their job safety,” says fire information officer Melinda Paplawski.

“Recreational boaters or people using other watercraft who try to get a close-up look at these aircraft present a serious safety risk for air crews and anyone else in the area. This behaviour is extremely dangerous and interferes with the BC Wildfire Service’s ability to fight a fire.”

She notes the rain in parts of the Cariboo the past few days has increased decrease fire behaviour to a degree however the forecast is calling for a return to the hot and dry conditions seen earlier this summer. Wind is also expected to pick up this weekend.

Officials have picked up patrols in these areas to ensure compliance and the restriction orders for all four lakes will continue until Aug. 25.