Residents of Dease Lake, Atlin, Telegraph Creek and Iskut may see smoke in their communities as a result of large wildfires burning in the Yukon and Alaska.

Winds from the northwest have carried smoke from numerous wildfires in the Yukon and Alaska south into the Cassiar Fire Zone in northwestern B.C. Residents of these communities have reported smoky conditions and Yukon Wildland Fire Management officials have received reports of haze across much of the Yukon.

Yukon Wildland Fire Management reports that continued aggressive fire behaviour has been observed on a number of fires in the Mayo and Carmacks districts in the Yukon Territory this week. This increase in fire behaviour and significant fire growth may be contributing to smoky conditions in the Cassiar Fire Zone.

People with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise if they are feeling discomfort.

For updated smoke conditions, visit: www.bcairquality.ca/bluesky/west/index

The Northwest Fire Centre would like to assure residents that no wildfires are burning near these communities at this time.

Hot, dry weather is expected throughout the Northwest Fire Centre this week, elevating the fire danger rating.

The Northwest Fire Centre would like to thank the public for help reporting wildfires in the region and for 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

You can also follow the latest wildfire news -

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

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

Media Contact:

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