Cariboo Fire Centre battles six out-of-control wildfires

Six wildfires remain out of control within the Cariboo Fire Centre as of Thursday, August 13. The most significant activity is concentrated in the South Cariboo region within the Big Bar Complex, which includes the Pear Lake, French Bar Creek, and Bonanza Creek fires. Together, these three fires have burned approximately 230,000 hectares, with the Pear Lake fire alone accounting for 157,448 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service has deployed 385 firefighting personnel, 165 pieces of heavy equipment, and 214 structure protection personnel to manage the blaze. Additionally, 21 helicopters have been assigned to the Big Bar Complex, with air tanker support available as needed.

Weather conditions have impacted containment efforts. While recent precipitation briefly increased fuel moisture, the effect was short-lived. Officials noted that clearing skies, dropping relative humidity to approximately 25 per cent, and temperatures reaching 25°C have created warm, dry conditions. Wind remains a primary driver of fire behavior, and gusts are expected to cause elevated activity and growth.