The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a 105-hectare wildfire on the east side of Whitesail Lake within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, about 91 kilometres southwest of Houston. The fire was sparked by lightning.

No structures are threatened at this time. BC Wildfire Service personnel are monitoring the fire and working with land managers to determine an appropriate wildfire response strategy.

Continuing dry and hot weather may result in increased fire activity and smoke. Smoke may continue to drift into the communities of Southside, Francois Lake, Houston and Burns Lake.

This fire is burning in a wilderness area of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park that has no road access. Wildfire is a natural, beneficial process in many ecosystems. It is a key factor in the maintenance of a healthy forest and can contribute to overall biodiversity. The reduction in fuel loads due to naturally occurring wildfires can also reduce the intensity of future wildfires.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

For the latest information on wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the BC Wildfire Service website at www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1 888 3FOREST.

Follow the latest wildfire news:

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

Learn More:

For news and information about BC Parks, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

For information about Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/tweeds_n/

Media Contacts:

Olivia Pojar
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Northwest Fire Centre
250 847-6639