Abnormally dry weather will persist through the Thanksgiving Day long weekend, so the Coastal Fire Centre is urging the public to continue to be cautious with any forest activity that could start wildfires, including campfires and equipment use.

The Coastal Fire Centre has responded to 234 wildfires since April 1, 100 of which were caused by lightning and 134 caused by people.

Current weather patterns will extend the "extreme" and "high" Fire Danger Ratings on southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. The fuels in the forest are very dry and warm; breezy days with no precipitation will not lower danger ratings in the foreseeable future.

The public is reminded that Category 2 fires and fireworks use are currently prohibited throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, except in the Skeena-Queen Charlotte, Mount Waddington and Central Coast regional districts. Check: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp regularly for the latest news on burning restrictions. For information on current fires of note in B.C., go to: www.bcwildfire.ca.

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

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Media Contact:

Donna MacPherson
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Coastal Fire Centre
250 951-4209