The BC Wildfire Service announced that two new wildfires had been sparked by lightning in the last 24 hours.
The Chasm Creek wildfire, located 5km east of Chasm Road, is considered out of control and is approximately 50 hectares in size.
Another wildfire, located south of Jack Frost Lake, is being held and is approximately 15 hectares in size.
Both wildfires are considered to be in the 100 Mile House Zone.
Wildfire Service crews are onsite at both locations with helicopters and air tankers supporting response operations as required.
Across the Cariboo Fire Centre, a combination of last summer’s drought and winter precipitation being low along with recent warm, dry conditions have lead to a lot of fuel for fires.
When lightning strikes, it may cause ignition but not immediately grow into a significant fire.
A small amount of fire can remain underground or smoulder for several days, or even weeks, depending on fuel moisture.
As the weather dries out and heats up, these hot spots can flare up to become full-fledged wildfires.