The Nahatlatch Forest Service Road has been reopened due to decreased wildfire activity and a reduced threat from the Mehatl Creek fire.

The Mehatl Creek fire was the result of a lightning storm that moved through the Fraser Canyon and surrounding areas on July 14, igniting wildfires in the Fraser Canyon and in the Nahatlatch River and Mehatl Creek drainages. The fire, which began on the border of Mehatl Creek Provincial Park and the Nahatlatch River Valley, covers about 600 hectares.

The Mehatl Creek fire is burning in steep and rugged terrain and some areas of the fire are inaccessible. Wildfire Management Branch crews are taking limited action to stall the fire’s eastward growth. A contingency line is being built on the east side of the fire between the fire and the lake. The purpose of the contingency line is to prevent the fire moving across the slope and down the Nahatlatch Valley.

Updates on the fire and road status will be provided if conditions change.

The Coastal Fire Centre covers the area west of the height of land on the Coast Mountain Range from the U.S.-Canada border at Manning Park, including South Tweedsmuir Park in the north, the Sunshine Coast, the Lower Mainland, all of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and Haida Gwaii.

The public is reminded that a campfire prohibition is in place in the Coastal Fire Centre. Be aware that weather conditions and the dryness of the forest increase the risk of wildfire.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

• Twitter at http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
• Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Report a wildfire or unattended campfire by calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

Media Contacts:

Donna MacPherson
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Coastal Fire Centre
250 951-4209 (media line)
Donna.MacPherson@gov.bc.ca