The BC Wildfire Service is responding to several wildfires following successive lightning strikes across the Northwest Fire Centre.

At this time, all fires are less than one hectare.

The smoke visible in some areas of the Northwest Fire Centre is a result of large wildfires burning in Alaska and Yukon Territory. Smoke from these fires is particularly heavy in the Cassiar Fire Zone, which includes Iskut, Telegraph Creek, Dease Lake and Atlin.

Lightning caused 10 new fires within the Northwest Fire Centre since Thursday morning. The majority are now out or under control, meaning they have received sufficient suppression to ensure they will not spread.

Firefighters are in action on four fires:

R50749 – This fire is about 12.5 kilometres northwest of Meziadin Junction and covers less than one hectare. Today, firefighters are on-site with helicopter support.

R50792 and R50794 – These fires are about 16 kilometres east of Meziadin Junction. Each covers less than one hectare. Today, firefighters are responding to these fires.

R40780 – This fire is about 16 kilometres southwest of Kitwanga near Cedarvale, and covers less than one hectare. Today, firefighters are on-site with helicopter support.

On Sunday, June 30, the Northwest Fire Centre experienced nearly 23,000 lightning strikes, the majority of which occurred in the Cassiar Fire Zone, where conditions are very dry. While no new fires have been detected as a result of this lightning, air and ground patrols are ongoing. More lightning is expected today.

To report a wildfire or an 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: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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