The skies above Prince George might not be smoky, but that doesn't mean the threat posed by forest fires are over.
On Wednesday, the B.C. Wildfire Management Branch responded to 21 new fires starting within the Prince George Fire Region, which encompasses the northeast third of B.C. Lightning has sparked all but one of those fires. Thirteen of those are within a 150-kilometre radius of Prince George.
Steve Thomson, the provincial forests minister, asked citizens in a press release to respect the open fire ban in the Prince George area.
"If you're out in the backcountry or visiting B.C.'s beautiful parks on the long weekend, it's crucial that you adhere to any fire prohibitions that are in place," he said. "Wildfires can ignite quickly in these weather conditions and could damage our forests, homes and communities."
The Red Deer Creek fire near Tumbler Ridge and the Euchiniko Lakes fire southwest of Prince George are still burning. The branch reports that the Red Deer Creek fire, which has 278 firefighters and 15 helicopters devoted to it, is 55 per cent contained. The Euchiniko Lakes fire, which has 150 firefighters and 10 helicopters devoted to it, is 60 per cent contained.
Since April 1, 186,154 hectares have burned in B.C., said the branch's website. Most of that, 68 per cent, is located in the Prince George Fire Region.
Campfires are allowed in the Prince George Fire Region for the August long weekend, but they cannot be larger than 50 centimetres in height and diameter. A one-metre diameter fireguard with no flammable materials must be maintained. As well, a shovel or eight litres of water must be nearby to properly extinguish the campfire.
If one's actions cause a wildfire, the person may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000 plus firefighting costs.
