People living in communities east of Tweedsmuir Park may see more smoke or haze than usual in their areas over the weekend, due to a forest fire burning in the park.

The Northwest Fire Centre continues to manage the "modified response" fire near Entiako Lake. The fire is currently estimated to be 1,700 hectares and is being assessed daily. A forecast of warm and dry weather, coupled with afternoon winds, may make the plume of smoke from this fire more visible in communities across the North, including the Grassy Plains area, Burns Lake, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Tumbler Ridge and Fort St. James.

This is a "modified response" fire, which means that the Wildfire Management Branch is protecting values in the area (such as nearby cabins) and is monitoring the fire daily with air patrols, but is allowing the fire to burn in other areas. This approach is in accordance with the park's Fire Management Plan, which recognizes the ecological benefits of this fire and that fire is a natural part of a forest's life cycle.

Fire returns nutrients to the soil, resulting in new growth and the creation of habitat that is preferred by some wildlife. Fire also helps remove the build-up of forest fuels (combustible material) and creates a natural firebreak that will make it easier to deal with future fires.

Residents in the Northwest Fire Centre are reminded that, despite cooler fall temperatures, forest fuels remain dry throughout the fire centre. Anyone planning to burn this weekend is reminded to:

• Never burn in windy conditions.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Be sure to have enough people, water and tools on site to control your fire.
• Make sure the ashes from your fire are cold to the touch before leaving the area.

Anyone lighting a Category 3 fire must first obtain a burn registration number by calling 1 888 797-1717 and must comply with all other legislation regarding open burning.

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

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Media Contact:

Stephanie Little
Assistant Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-1010