Fire wardens and other fire officials will be patrolling the Southeast Fire Centre this weekend to ensure campfire safety and compliance.

These patrols will target high-risk areas and ensure enforcement within areas such as Boundary and Christina Lake, where 26 abandoned campfires have been found this season.

Campers are reminded that failure to properly extinguish a campfire will result in a $345 fine. In addition, if their campfire escapes and causes a wildfire, they may be held liable for all resulting suppression costs and damages.

The fire danger rating is moderate to high throughout most of the Southeast Fire Centre region with a spot of extreme located in the Boundary area.

Quick Facts:

• There are currently open burning restrictions within the Southeast Fire Centre's jurisdiction. For information on burn restrictions, please visit: http://bcwildfire.ca
• Since April 1, the Southeast Fire Centre has responded to 72 wildfires, consuming a total of 39 hectares. Twenty-nine of those fires are confirmed as human-caused.
• A total of 127 campfire incidents have been reported in the Southeast Fire Centre. The five-year average for this time of year is 119.
• To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellphone or toll-free to 1 800 663-5555.

Learn More:

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcforestfireinfo.gov.bc.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news -

On Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo

On Facebook at: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

Karlie Shaughnessy
Fire Information Officer
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4014

Erin Catherall
Fire Information Officer
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4056