After a year which saw the Cariboo Regional District affected by both fires and floods, officials are not sure what to expect this time around.

The risk of flooding is a lot lower with below normal snowpacks, but the fire danger rating across the Cariboo is moderate to high.

Manager of Protective Services Stephanie Masun says they are preparing as best they can.

“We’ve had two years which have been smoky and have had fire in our region, so I would say that people are alert and watching for messaging,” she said. “More than than, I do think that people are willing to Fire Smart their properties and are looking for information on a regular basis.”

In fact, she says preparation is top of mind for residents across the CRD.

“We had a very quick thaw last year, which saw water levels rise more quickly. This year, there was a deep freeze which changed the conditions, so every year had been slightly changing,” Masun added.

“I don’t know if I would say I’m surprised but I think it’s something that people need to be monitoring and they can get that information through their local authority.”

Masun adds people are also on high alert after back to back record wildfire seasons in British Columbia.

To help reduce the risk, Category 2 and 3 fires have already been banned across the Cariboo Fire Centre.

As well, the Fire Danger rating in the area is moderate to high.