The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to seven fires within the past week, all of which were human-caused.

The largest fire reached an approximate size of 3.4 hectares, or roughly seven football fields in size. These fires serve as a reminder that wildfire season has begun and that it is important to stay vigilant with any spring burning or campfires going into the Victoria Day long weekend.

In many areas, the grass is still dry and cured, which creates the potential for an open burn to escape and turn into a wildfire.

• Keep your backyard burn or campfire under control by ensuring that enough people, water and tools are on hand to keep the fire contained.
• Never leave your fire unattended and make sure that it is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
• Everyone conducting an open burn is responsible for ensuring that conditions are appropriate for burning.
• Although the Northwest Fire Centre currently does not have open fire prohibitions in place, always check with your municipal or local government to see if they have burning restrictions in effect.
• Individuals may be held accountable for fire suppression costs if their fire escapes.

For more information on safe backyard burning, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cellphone or call toll free to 1 800 663-5555.

For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news -

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

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

Contact:

Lindsay Carnes
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639