Cariboo backcountry reopens despite ongoing wildfires

KAMLOOPS (NEWS 1130) – Campers will once again be able to use the backcountry in the Cariboo region, after the province decided to rescind the ban.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, though there are still dozens of fires in that region, crews feel the danger has gone down enough to open the area.

“Thankfully we’ve seen a reduced risk out there in terms of new starts, but of course for the public’s own safety we are going to leave those restrictions in place in proximity to where the fires are burning, but other areas will be reopened,” explains Chief Fire Information Officer Kevin Skrepnek.

There are still 49 active wildfires in the area, including the largest in the province’s history, the Plateau Complex fire.

“We are going to be leaving area restrictions in place in a buffer zone around where these fires are burning, so lake access, forest service road, use will once again be allowed for recreational users,” says Skrepnek. “We are going to be leaving the off road vehicle ban in place though.”

Meanwhile, the five day interior forecast is calling for gusty winds and thundershowers in the Prince George and Cariboo areas.

The buffer zone will range between five to 10 kilometres around any fire in the region.

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