The Northwest Fire Centre is asking the public to refrain from entering areas where wildfires are burning or where crews and equipment are working at a wildfire.

Wildfire Management Branch personnel often use Forest Service roads to access and action wildfires. Recently, there has been increased public traffic on these roads, including attempts by the public to access areas where wildfires are burning.

Areas of active wildfire suppression contain multiple potential hazards to the public, including dangerous trees and heavy equipment use, as well as unstable temporary access routes and fire guards. Even after the Wildfire Management Branch has rescinded an order to restrict access for areas near a wildfire, safe fire suppression efforts depend on the support and understanding of the public. Additionally, under the Wildfire Act, the public may be ordered to leave the area if public safety or the safety of crews is compromised.

When the public enters an area of active wildfire during suppression operations, they put themselves, wildfire crews and others at risk. The top priority of the Wildfire Management Branch is the safety of firefighting staff and the public. These incursions by members of the public create a delay in fire suppression activities and could lead to further fire growth and the possibility of increased risk to people and values.

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://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