Communities within the Cassiar Fire Zone will continue to see smoke as a result of a large wildfire burning near Mess Creek, west of Mount Edziza Provincial Park. The size of this fire is currently estimated at 75 hectares.

Any growth in the size of the fire today may increase the amount of smoke seen in the Telegraph Creek area. A change in wind direction may also cause smoke to drift toward the communities of Bob Quinn Lake, Iskut or Dease Lake.

The fire is presently burning in an isolated region and is not threatening any communities or infrastructure. It has been designated as a "modified response" fire, since it is burning within a forest type that will benefit from wildfire activity. The fire will be monitored frequently by forest protection officers and fire suppression may begin if it reaches specified geographic "trigger points".

This approach recognizes 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 fuels and creates a natural firebreak that will make future fires easier to contain.

If the fire enters the boundaries of Mount Edziza Provincial Park, the "modified response" approach to this fire will be conducted in accordance with the park's own Fire Management Plan.

The Northwest Fire Centre is anticipating lightning in the region today, which could potentially start additional fires. Initial Attack crews and response officers have been prepositioned throughout the Cassiar Fire Zone in anticipation of potential fire starts.

The Northwest Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its help reporting wildfires in the region and for its diligence in the safe use of fire during this period of elevated fire danger.

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

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:

Suzanne Pearce
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639