The BC Wildfire Service is advising the public that smoke may be visible from the Alaska Highway and Highway 37, due to wildfires burning in the Blue River and Ne’Ah’ Conservancy areas of northern British Columbia.

Warm temperatures and gusty conditions are expected in the region and smoke can travel hundreds of kilometres from its original source. No structures or communities are threatened at this time.

• The largest wildfire in the area is the Blue River fire, which was started by lightning on July 17, 2016. The fire is located about 22 kilometres south of the Yukon border and covers about 250 hectares. This fire is burning in an area where a wildfire previously occurred and is currently being treated as a “modified response” fire (also known as monitor-only status).

• Smoke from the Ne’Ah’ Conservancy fire, which covers about two hectares, may be visible from Highway 37. The fire was discovered on July 11, 2016 and is also in modified response. 

“Modified response” is a fire management tactic that’s used when a wildfire is not threatening communities and is considered to be beneficial to the landscape, so it is not fully extinguished. Fire is a natural component of the ecosystem and has regenerative properties for the affected area. Fires keep forest floors clear of combustible materials, which can reduce the severity and frequency of future wildfires.

The BC Wildfire Service protects B.C.’s forests from unwanted wildfires and helps protect the public by not allowing wildfires to spread into interface areas where urban development borders on grasslands or forested areas.

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

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

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