Wildfire Management Branch personnel will be conducting a controlled burn on Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, (weather permitting) to help contain the Slocan Park wildfire.

This fire covers about 120 hectares and is centred about two kilometres northeast of the community of Slocan Park off Highway 6. People living in Slocan Park and surrounding areas, as well as motorists travelling along Highway 6 or Highway 3, may see heavy smoke as a result of this burn.

The goal of the controlled burn is to create a control line on the southern flank of the fire by burning off small areas of timber within 50 metres of that line. This activity will result in increased visibility of smoke and flames.

An additional 30 firefighters have been assigned to this fire, making a total of 90 firefighters now engaged in fire control efforts at the site.

With elevated fire danger ratings and the potential for more thunderstorms this week, the Southeast Fire Centre is urging the public to be extra cautious in the backcountry. All person-caused fires are preventable and may affect the ability of the firefighting crews to respond to naturally occurring fires.

To report a wildfire, 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://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

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

Media Contacts:

Julie Castonguay
Fire Information Officer (onsite at the fire)
Wildfire Management Branch
Southeast Fire Centre
250 304-9493