Out-of-control wildfire burning in central B.C., visible from Highway 97

An out-of-control wildfire in B.C.’s Cariboo region is suspected to be human caused, according to officials, who say crews were called to a number of blazes Saturday.

An out-of-control wildfire in B.C.’s Cariboo region is suspected to be human caused, according to officials, who say crews were called to a number of blazes Saturday.

The B.C. Wildfire Service, in a social media post, said there were “multiple” fires in the region – the largest of which is the 50 hectare Burgess Creek wildfire burning about 45 kilometres south of Quesnel.

As of Saturday evening, its size was estimated at 50 hectares and a “large column” smoke was visible from Highway 97, as well as the communities of Quesnel and Williams Lake.

“Crews, aircraft and heavy equipment are on site. Three other fires south of Quesnel are being monitored by aircraft and crews are responding as required,” the service’s social media update said Saturday.

No evacuation alerts or orders have been issued and a “full response” is underway.

“The BC Wildfire Service uses a full response when there is threat to public safety and/or property and other values, such as infrastructure or timber. Immediate action is taken. During a full response, a wildfire is suppressed and controlled until it is deemed ‘out,’” the service’s website explains.

Last year's wildfire season was the most destructive on record, burning more than 2.84-million hectares of land, along with hundreds of homes and other structures. The fires also prompted evacuations that temporarily displaced tens of thousands of residents.