The Northwest Fire Centre responded to eight new wildfires on Monday, all the result of lightning that moved through northern B.C. throughout the afternoon.

Five of the fires are in the Cassiar Fire Zone and three are in the Skeena Fire Zone. All eight fires are less than one hectare in size and are not threatening any communities or infrastructure at this time.

Two of the fires ignited near the Telegraph Creek airstrip. Air tankers and a helicopter were used to help control them until fire crews arrived onsite. Three initial attack crews, forest protection officers and helicopters are responding to the fires in the Skeena and Cassiar zones. Additional resources are available should the need arise.

As expected, the modified response fire southwest of Mount Edziza Provincial Park grew in size yesterday and is now estimated at 250 hectares. Despite this growth, the fire is not threatening any communities or infrastructure at this time. Smoke from this fire may be visible to residents of Telegraph Creek, Dease Lake and Bob Quinn.

The Fire Danger Rating in the northern half of the Northwest Fire Centre has been "moderate" to "high" over the past week and the weather is expected to remain warm and dry today in that region. With more lightning expected, the Northwest Fire Centre anticipates more fire starts in the next few days.

The Northwest Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its ongoing assistance in reporting wildfires. 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