The Prince George Fire Centre responded to five new fires yesterday, three of which were lightning-caused and two human-caused.

All of the fires started in the northern half of the Prince George Fire Centre. One fire, north of Fort Nelson, reached five hectares and required action from airtankers. No structures have been damaged and fire fighters are currently on the ground working the fire. All fires are expected to be mopped up and under observation by the end of the day.

The Prince George Fire Centre is currently at moderate to high fire danger rating. Cool and wet weather is expected for the northern portion the fire centre tonight and tomorrow.

The Prince George Fire Centre extends from the Yukon and Northwest Territories in the north to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, Cottonwood River and Robson Valley in the south; and from the Alberta border in the east to the Skeena Mountains in the west.

Quote:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations:

"It's disappointing that two of these five fires were caused by people. Fighting these unnecessary fires diverts our resources from dealing with lightning-caused fires."

Quick Facts:

* The public reports nearly half of all wildfires in B.C.

* Anyone caught breaking a fire ban can be fined up to $345 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and sentenced to one year in jail.

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Contact:

Jillian Chimko

Fire Information Officer

Prince George Fire Centre

250-565-6129 (office)

250-961-4176 (cell)

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