An abandoned campfire at the west end of Summit Lake started a small wildfire Sunday evening. Quick action by members of the public kept the fire small, and yesterday an initial attack crew from the Wildfire Management Branch extinguished the fire.

While campfires are still permitted throughout the Prince George Fire Centre, they must be attended at all times and be fully extinguished before leaving the area for any length of time. Ashes should be cold to the touch as small amounts of residual heat can reignite the fire.

The use of fireworks in the Chubb Lake area Sunday night started another small fire. This incident serves as a reminder that any source of heat can start a fire in the current warm and dry conditions that are prevailing in the southern part of the Prince George Fire Centre.

Yesterday, the Prince George Fire Centre responded to two new wildfires, both of which were suspected to be human caused. Since April 1, the Prince George Fire Centre has responded to 125 wildfires, 71 of which were human caused.

For tips on safe burning practices, residents are encouraged to visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on your cell phone or 1 800 663-5555.

The Prince George Fire Centre covers an area from the Yukon and the Northwest Territories in the north to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, the Cottonwood River and the Robson Valley in the south; and from the Alberta border in the east to the Skeena Mountains in the west.

Learn More:

You can follow the latest B.C. wildfire news:

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BCGovFireInfo

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

Media Contact:

Dustin Eno
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Prince George Fire Centre
250 565-6129
dustin.eno@gov.bc.ca