Smoke from wildfires burning in the Interior is expected to drift down through valleys into coastal areas on Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug. 1-2, 2017), due to a change in weather conditions. These conditions could persist for the remainder of this week.

Smoke from wildfires burning in the Interior is expected to drift down through valleys into coastal areas on Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug. 1-2, 2017), due to a change in weather conditions. These conditions could persist for the remainder of this week.

Due to reduced fire activity and recent progress made by firefighting crews, the BC Wildfire Service will be rescinding the Area Restriction Order and forest service road closure that were implemented on July 2, 2017 for the area around the Harrison Lake East wildfire.

Despite open burning prohibitions being implemented in the Coastal Fire Centre (with the exception of Haida Gwaii and the area known as the “Fog Zone”), the BC Wildfire Service continues to receive reports of the current campfire ban being ignored by members of the public.

The BC Wildfire Service is fully prepared to respond quickly to any wildfire activity in the Coastal Fire Centre. Although some resources are being deployed to the Interior to help fight the large fires there, sufficient firefighters and equipment will remain in the region to maintain a first response capability locally.

With temperatures this weekend expected to be above seasonal norms, the BC Wildfire Service is encouraging people who are planning recreational activities in the Harrison Lake area to use caution and remain vigilant.

Effective at noon on Thursday, July 6, 2017, all open fires (including campfires) will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, with the exception of Haida Gwaii and the area known as the “Fog Zone”.

As of 1800 hrs, the Harrison Lake East fire remains at an estimated 60 hectares in size.

A Notice to Leave a Specified Area Order has been issued to clear all individuals from an area near the Harrison Lake East fire.

Effective at noon on June 7, 2017, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, except in Haida Gwaii and the “Fog Zone”, to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.