Wildfire Management Branch crews from the Northwest Fire Centre have responded to eight new fires in the last 24 hours in the Smithers, Terrace, Hazleton and Telkwa areas.

Seven of these fires appear to be the result of lightning strikes, but one is suspected to be human-caused and is under investigation.

One fire about seven kilometres east of Terrace currently covers about two hectares. Helicopters, airtankers and ground crews will continue working to contain this fire over the weekend. To ensure the safety of the public and firefighters, the Northwest Fire Centre is asking people to avoid the West Copper Forest Service Road and surrounding area.

With the fire danger rating at “high” to “extreme” in most of the Northwest Fire Centre, the Wildfire Management Branch urges B.C. residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution while out camping or enjoying the backcountry. Human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and unnecessarily divert firefighters and other critical resources away from naturally occurring fires.

A campfire ban remains in effect for many parts of the region. Further details and a map of the affected areas is available online at http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/Bans.asp

You can also follow the latest wildfire news:

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

Media Contacts:

Mike McCulley
Fire Information Officer
Wildfire Management Branch
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639