Teachers learn defibrillating PAGE A3
support for adoptive families PAGE A11
crossfire doused PAGE A16
OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Friday, July 5, 2013
VOL. 99 NO. 88
www.quesnelobserver.com
1
$ 30
PM 40005365
includes GST
HEATING UP
Fire season begins with CFC battling four wildfires in Quesnel region AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter
So fear this season the Cariboo Fire Centre reports there have been a total of 57 wildfires, 43 person-caused and 14 lighting caused, burning 1,064 hectares. July 2, the Wildfire Management Branch aircraft spotted four new lightning-caused wildfires, all within the the Gold Pan City region. The first wildfire is located in the Whiskey Flats area south of Barkerville. An initial attack crew actioned the spot fire (0.009 hectares) with support from a helicopter Tuesday evening, camped overnight near the site and returned the following morning (July 3) to execute mop-up. This fire was also reported by the public. The second wildfire is located between Cariboo Mountain and Yanks Peak south of Swift Lake. The Quesnel-based Blackwater unit crew attempted to hike in to the fire, but were turned back by darkness. The crew returned to the site the following morning to action the fire (0.8 ha). The third wildfire (0.2 ha) is located in the same area. The 20-member Blackwater Unit crew is being split to action these two fires. The fourth wildfire is located three kilometres north of Benson Lake. An initial attack crew actioned the spot fire (0.009 ha) with support from a helicopter on Tuesday evening, camped overnight near the site and returned this morning to execute mop-up.
WMB aircraft was patrolling the region Wednesday, leaving Williams Lake and heading north toward the Cariboo Mountains and west toward Quesnel (counter-clockwise) before returning to the headquarters. There were hundreds, if not thousands of lightning strikes over the long weekend and there’s a possibility of holdovers popping up now that the weather is warmer and drier. The current fire danger rating is moderate throughout most of the Cariboo Fire Centre, with areas of high in the Quesnel area. The Cariboo Mountains region is moderate, but is forecast to rise to high during the weekend. According to Environment Canada, Quesnel set a new heat record at 36.1 degrees on Canada Day (July 1), breaking a record from 1942. The CFC reminds the public there is an open burning prohibition in place, banning any backyard and industrial waste, slash or grass fires, which came into effect on April 15. The CFC would also like to remind the public to be vigilant with any type of fire use, including campfires and to properly and safely extinguish cigarettes. To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1-800663-5555 or *5555 on your cellphone. For more information on open fire restrictions or for updates on current wildfire activity, visit bcwildfire.ca
Coming
to Ques nel
Mark it on your calendar!
August 3 & 4
at Quesnel Regional Airport Check out our website
www.quesnelskyfest.ca
Two-Mile Flat crash Motorists are reminded to be extra cautious on the roads this summer. With additional tourist and vacation traffic, collisions can happen quickly and without warning. There’s few things which will ruin a vacation or a great summer more than an unexpected crash. Jonas Gagnon photo
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber S. Maile! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
CHIROPRACTIC HELP
Dr. Michael Duperron QUESNEL CHIROPRACTIC &
Sarah Honey REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST
274 Reid Street 250-992-5110