Residents of Houston and the surrounding region may see increased levels of smoke this week due to a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southeast of the community.

The fire is near China Nose Mountain and was likely sparked by lightning. It is presently estimated to cover 80 hectares and is in an area that is only accessible by air. The Northwest Fire Centre would like to thank the public for submitting numerous phone reports about this fire, which allowed crews to respond quickly and efficiently.

Sixteen firefighters are working on the fire today. Ground crews anticipate making steady progress to establish water delivery systems and containment lines. They will be supported by helicopters bucketing water on the fire and airtankers will also be used to slow the fire’s spread.

This wildfire will continue to be highly visible from the community of Houston and surrounding areas. It is not threatening any properties or infrastructure at this time, but extremely dry conditions and hot weather may result in aggressive fire behaviour. The safety of response personnel is the Wildfire Management Branch’s top priority and so crews may be required to pull back from the fire at certain points during the day.

The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to 17 fires since Aug. 4, 2014, eight of which involved unattended campfires. The Fire Danger Rating is “high” to “extreme” in the southern sections of the Northwest Fire Centre and the hot and dry weather is expected to continue.

A campfire and open burning prohibition comes into effect at 4 p.m. on Aug. 12, 2014, in the Nadina Fire Zone, the Bulkley Fire Zone and the Skeena Fire Zone (with the exception of the former North Coast District). A map of the affected areas is available online at: http://bit.ly/1oZfilE

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

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:

Olivia Pojar
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639