The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to five new fires this week, as warm and dry weather continues throughout the region.

The largest of these fires is located on the north side of Babine Lake (just south of Cunningham Lake) and is estimated at six hectares. Gaining access to this fire is a challenge for fire crews, so air tankers are being used to slow the fire's spread until ground crews arrive on site.

This fire is believed to be a "holdover" fire, which means that it was originally sparked by lightning that moved through the area earlier this season. The fire likely remained dormant or very small until recent hot and dry weather caused it to grow and become visible. Smoke may be visible from Pendleton Bay, Donald Landing and Pinkut Fishery.

Other fires this week include a second holdover fire and a fire caused by spontaneous combustion in a sawdust pile.

All of these fires are reminders that, even though summer weather is giving way to autumn conditions, fire hazard ratings remain elevated throughout much of the region. Significant areas of the Cassiar Fire Zone and Nadina Fire Zone are experiencing a "high" fire danger rating. Many other areas, including Smithers and Hazelton, have a "moderate" fire danger rating.

Anyone lighting a campfire or burning debris piles must remain vigilant. Burning should be done away from overhead branches and other combustible materials, and plenty of water and a shovel must be available to control the fire. Never conduct an open burn in windy conditions, since sparks could easily be carried away by the wind and start new fires.

Anyone planning a large-scale industrial burn (Category 3) must call 1 888 797-1717 and obtain a burn registration number ahead of time. More information is available at: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

Venting conditions should always be checked before conducting an open burn. If conditions are rated "poor" or "fair", open burning is restricted. The venting index can be found at: http://www.bcairquality.ca/readings/ventilation-index.html

Burning should not be done if local air flow patterns will cause the smoke to negatively affect nearby communities or residences. For more information on the open burning smoke control regulation, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/reports/agttobsc.html

For information on air quality, including smoke forecasts for Western Canada, visit the BC Air Quality website: www.bcairquality.ca/bluesky/west/index.html

The Northwest Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its help reporting wildfires and its diligence in using fire safely 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