BC Wildfire Service crews are taking advantage of the recent rain and cooler temperatures to continue their attack on four fires of note in the Peace region – the Beatton Airport Road, Siphon Creek, Carter Road and Halfway River fires.

Weather conditions have enabled crews to establish fire control lines with heavy equipment and prepare for planned ignition operations to help fight these wildfires. The public may see increased smoke over the next couple of days as crews burn off unburned fuels between the control lines and the perimeters of these fires.

Planned ignition operations are carried out on wildfires to enhance the overall safety, efficiency and effectiveness of fire management efforts. The primary goal is to remove available fuels in the wildfire’s path so there is nothing left to burn. 

The first priority for planned ignition operations is always safety. Potential hazards are identified, assessed and mitigated as part of the ignition plan, which must also address the protection of firefighting personnel, the public, equipment and nearby values.

The BC Wildfire Service strongly urges members of the public who have no legitimate reason to be in a wildfire area to stay well away, since their presence could put the safety of firefighting crews and others at risk. Public access to a wildfire worksite is not allowed during fire suppression operations under provisions of the Wildfire Act and WorkSafeBC regulations.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca or call 1 888 3-FOREST.

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