Restrictions on human activity as a result of a forest fire in the Eskal region near Fort Nelson have been downgraded due to decreased fire activity, but an area closure remains in effect.

The Prince George Fire Centre says public access to the area is still limited while the fire continues to burn. However, the closure does not apply to permanent residents or workers who need to be in the area. Workers will be permitted if they have written authorization from a forest official.

The area now affected by the fire was 49,000 hectares as of Saturday morning, covering forested country that stretches from kilometre 17.5 of the Eskal Road east to the Fort Nelson River, continuing on the west side of the river to the mouth of the Sikanni Chief River.

The fire was started by lightning and was discovered on Aug. 7. It's current size is now estimated at 3,750 hectares. The restriction will remain in effect until Sept. 30, or until the order is lifted.

To view a map of the current area closure, go to: http://bcwildfire.ca/ftp/!Project/WildfireNews/972012~113343_G90324_ClosureArea_Sept7.pdf.

There are several active fires in the northeastern region of the province. Affected areas include: Estsine Lake, Aeroplane Lake, Crow River, Moule Creek, Lennard Creek, Solitary Lake, Major Hart River, Tatzille Creek, Suhm Creek (Pesh fire) and Kechika River.

Travellers who spot signs of a forest fire or unattended campfire are asked to call *5555 on your

cellphone or toll-free 1-800-663-5555.

The fire danger in the the Prince George vicinity is considered moderate, and there are currently no bans in place on open fires or campfires.

The latest B.C. wildfire news is available on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo or on Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo.