The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to eight new fires this week, five of which were human-caused and therefore preventable. With significant lightning in the region yesterday, more fires are anticipated.

The majority of these fires are small in size, most of them smaller than one hectare. The largest fire has reached a size of approximately 2.5 hectares and smoke from this fire may be visible from Highway 37 north of the Cranberry Forest Service Road.

The number of human-caused fires this week is concerning as the fire danger rating in the fire centre is high to extreme.

The Northwest Fire Centre is anticipating an increase in fire activity over the long weekend as hot, dry weather will continue and more lightning is expected. With lightning fires anticipated in the coming days, the Wildfire Management Branch would like to remind the public that human-caused fires are preventable, and careless use of fire adds unnecessarily to the workload of fire-suppression personnel.

Campfires are still permitted in the Northwest Fire Centre, however, extra diligence must be taken to ensure fires do not spread. Anyone lighting a campfire should ensure it is no larger than 0.5 metre high by 0.5 metre wide, and that plenty of water and a hand tool are on hand to extinguish the fire.

Campfires should be situated away from trees, branches or woody debris, and should not be lit in strong or gusting winds. Campfires should never be left unattended, and should be extinguished until cool to the touch before leaving the site or going to bed.

The Northwest Fire Centre would like to thank everyone who reported wildfires this week. Early reporting is an important step in ensuring our success in extinguishing fires while they are still small. To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, please call *5555 on your cellphone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

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