The Wood Lake wildfire burning near Harrison Lake, 20 kilometres north of Harrison Hot Springs, now covers about 1,325 hectares and is 40% contained. No structure or communities are currently at risk.

An area restriction remains in place around this wildfire. Members of the public are not allowed inside this designated area for their own protection and so that firefighting personnel can do their work more safely.

A map of the restricted area is available online at: http://bit.ly/1DqBmjc

BC Wildfire Service personnel had to escort several groups of people out of this restricted area over the past week. When members of the public enter an area where a wildfire is burning or where fire suppression operations are in progress, they can put themselves, wildfire crews and others at risk.

Such an area contains multiple potential hazards, including “danger trees” (trees whose root systems have been weakened by fire activity), heavy equipment use and potentially unstable temporary access routes and fire guards.

When someone enters a restricted area without authorization, they can delay firefighting activities. This could contribute to the growth of the fire and possibly put more values and people at risk. Safe fire suppression efforts depend on the support and understanding of the public.

Due to rising temperatures and decreasing relative humidity throughout the region, fire activity and smoke levels are expected to increase at the Wood Lake fire.

It’s suspected that this wildfire was caused by people. All human-caused wildfires are preventable and unnecessarily divert firefighting resources from naturally occurring fires. The Coastal Fire Centre is urging everyone to be cautious when in the backcountry and refrain from any activities that may cause a wildfire.

The BC Wildfire Service thanks the public for its ongoing support and for reporting wildfires. 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, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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