Public access to the White-Middle Fork Forest Service Road in the Invermere fire zone is now closed at the 45.5-kilometre mark.

The road has been closed to protect public safety. BC Wildfire Service personnel are currently fighting a 280-hectare wildfire near the Middle Fork of the White River, about 40 kilometres east of Fairmont Hot Springs. The fire is not threatening any communities or infrastructure at this time, but is producing large amounts of smoke.

The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

With hot and dry conditions forecast through this coming week, the Southeast Fire Centre is urging the public to be vigilant both in their communities and in the backcountry. All open burning, including campfires, is currently prohibited.

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 current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

The Southeast Fire Centre extends from the U.S. border in the south to the Mica Dam in the north and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. The Southeast Fire Centre includes the Selkirk Natural Resource District and the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District.

You can also follow the latest wildfire news:

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