Recent thunderstorms have kept BC Wildfire Service crews busy fighting dozens of new fires in the Southeast Fire Centre. Crews have responded to 52 new fires since Monday, 50 of which were caused by lightning.

The Boundary region had 23 new wildfires. The largest covers 25 hectares and is located north of Midway and east of Ingram Creek. This fire is 100% contained and 30 firefighters and four pieces of heavy equipment are working on it today.

Crews are also responding to multiple spot-sized fires (less than one hectare) in the Christina Lake area. While these fires are visible from nearby communities, they are not threatening any structures at this time. Several other spot-sized fires are burning elsewhere in the Southeast Fire Centre. Most of these fires are located in remote areas and are not affecting nearby communities.

The current fire danger rating is “high” in the Revelstoke, Boundary and Kaslo areas, “moderate” throughout the Kootenay Lake, Arrow and Boundary zones, and “moderate” to “low” in the majority of the Columbia, Invermere and Cranbrook fire zones.

Protecting life and property are top priorities for the BC Wildfire Service. Members of the public can help by staying out of areas where wildfires are burning and obeying any area restriction orders currently in effect, including the one for the Sitkum Creek wildfire: http://ow.ly/PUkkN

The Southeast Fire Centre would like to thank everyone who reported wildfires this week. Early reporting is important for successfully extinguishing wildfires while they are still small.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, 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
• Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

Media Contacts:

Karlie Shaughnessy
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4052
250 304-8352 (cell)

Fanny Bernard
Fire Information Officer
BC Wildfire Service
Southeast Fire Centre
250 365-4056