Fire Crews Responding to New Lightning-Caused Wildfires in Cariboo

Fire crews battling the Cisco Road Fire near Lytton. (Photo Credit: B.C. Wildfire Management Branch)

The B.C. Wildfire Management Branch personnel are responding to wildfires that were started by lightning in the Cariboo Fire Centre.

The largest of these fires is currently burning at about 20 hectares in size, about 17 kilometres south of the Sheep Creek Bridge over the Fraser River. Eleven firefighters are on their way to this fire with help from a helicopter.

Fire crews are conducting patrol flights throughout the Cariboo Fire Centre to confirm the location of reported fires and detect new ones that may have started in remote areas.

Two new fires have already been discovered following Monday night’s lightning storm, and fire crews with be monitoring hot spots as the forest dries out following the rainfall.

Crews are responding to new lightning-caused #BCWildfires in the #Cariboo Fire Centre. Info: http://t.co/X4eyGhNG0f pic.twitter.com/7kcY6rJlvS

— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) June 30, 2015

Lightning-caused fires can smoulder in wet conditions and only become visible when nearby combustible material dries out and ignites in what are called holdover fires.

For example, crews responded to one holdover fire over the weekend that was started by lightning about 10 days before it was detected. The fire was 25 kilometres north of Forest Grove, covered 0.6 hectares, and is now 100 per cent contained. Crews are currently patrolling this fire to put out any remaining hot spots.

The B.C. Wildfire Management Branch is thanking the public for all of the fire reports they received after Monday’s lightning storm. More lightning activity is in the forecast on Tuesday.

Residents are asked to take extra caution with campfires and any outdoor recreational activities as the risk of wildfires rises.

To report smoke, flames, or an unattended campfire call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cellphone.