ATLINE - People in the community of Atlin may notice smoke in the air as a result of wildfires burning in Alaska.

The Funny River Fire, covering approximately 74,000 hectares, is burning on the Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska. The fire is 30% contained and parts of the fire are still actively burning.

Smoky conditions are expected to continue as winds blow from the northwest in the coming days. Any growth in the size of this fire may increase the amount of smoke seen in the area.

While the current fire danger rating in the Cassiar Fire Zone is “moderate”, the area immediately surrounding Atlin is rated as “high” and is expected to remain at that level given this week’s forecast for sunny and dry weather.

The Northwest Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its help reporting wildfires in the region and for its diligence in using fire safely during periods 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 information on air quality, as well as smoke forecasts for western Canada, visit the BC Air Quality website: http://www.bcairquality.ca/index.html

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 Contacts:

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