As outdoor enthusiasts take to the backcountry this weekend, the Wildfire Management Branch is encouraging all recreationalists to avoid areas within the vicinity of the 586 hectare Elaho Wildfire.

The Southeast Fire Centre is asking anyone considering outdoor recreation activities over the weekend to be extremely vigilant as fuels could easily ignite.

The Wildfire Management Branch is currently responding to 15 new wildfires in the Prince George Fire centre, all of which started on Thursday, June 25.

Anyone planning to go camping or spend time in the backcountry this weekend or on the Canada Day holiday must comply with provincial regulations regarding campfire restrictions and safety.

People who enjoy exploring B.C.'s spectacular backcountry need to do it responsibly and be aware of their legal obligations, or they may face hefty fines and possible jail time.

Effective at noon on Saturday, June 27, 2015 within the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction, campfires will only be allowed on northern Vancouver Island, the mid-coast portion of the mainland and on Haida Gwaii.

The Wildfire Management Branch is sending 31 firefighting personnel to the Yukon to aid in fire suppression efforts there. Ten three-person initial attack crews and one agency representative are leaving B.C. today and are expected to arrive in Whitehorse tonight.

After a thorough investigation by a specialized fire cause investigator, the Wildfire Management Branch has determined that the Elaho wildfire was caused by lightning, not people.

Smoke from several lightning-caused wildfires may drift into communities in northwest British Columbia over the coming week.