Smoke from two lightning-caused wildfires may drift into the Bella Coola area and the Nadina Fire Zone in the coming days.

There are currently two active wildfires in the Skeena Fire Zone producing smoke that may be seen in the communities of Bella Coola, Houston, Burns Lake, Southside, and Francois Lake. No structures are threatened at this time.

• The Kapella River fire has burned about 600 to 1,000 ha south of the Kapella River in the Huchsduwachsdu Nuyem Jees / Kitlope Heritage Conservancy, about 77 km northwest of Bella Coola.
• The Europa Lake fire has burned about 10 ha west of the Europa Lake Conservancy, about 86 km southeast of Kitimat.  

Recent and forecasted dry and warm weather conditions, combined with fuel conditions in these areas, may result in significant growth and activity at these fires in the coming days. Smoke may disperse hundreds of kilometres from its source. Smoke forecasts for specific areas can be obtained online at: www.bcairquality.ca/bluesky/west/index.html 

The Kapella River fire and the Europa Lake fire are burning in remote areas with no road access. The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring these fires and working with land managers to determine an appropriate response strategy.  

Wildfire is a natural, beneficial process in many ecosystems. It is a key factor in maintaining a healthy forest and contributes to overall biodiversity. Through evolution and exposure to wildfire, many plants and animals have adapted to fire and depend on it to reproduce.

The fire danger rating for most of the Northwest Fire Centre is currently 'high' to 'extreme'. Campfires and open burning are currently prohibited in the entire Northwest Fire Centre. For details on prohibited activities and substances, and for a map of the affected area, please visit: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/DisplayBan.asp?ID=441#OpenFireBans.  

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.  For the latest information on current wildfire activity and burning restrictions, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1 888 3FOREST. 

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
BC Wildfire Service
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639