Lightning is beginning to spark fires in the Prince George Fire Centre region, with more than half of the eight fires started in the past week caused by lightning.
One fire, east of Fort Nelson, in the far northeast, reached 50 hectares. Airtankers were used to get the fire under control, and there are still 12 firefighters working on the fire. No structures were damaged.
B.C. Forests Minister Steve Thomson said people are the province's biggest ally in responding to forest fires.
"A speedy call to *5555 helps firefighters respond to wildfires faster, meaning greater success in putting them out and improved safety for everyone," he said.
While the fire activity has been much quieter in the immediate Prince George area, there were two fires started in the past week. One, which is already out, was to the west, while another is near Weedon Lake, north of the city. The cause of those fires is still under investigation, said fire information officer Jillian Chimko.
There are no burning restrictions in the Prince George Fire Centre region, which encompasses the northeast corner of the province, because of the mostly low to moderate fire ratings.
Since April, fire crews have responded to 34 wildfires in the Prince George Fire Centre.
In northwest B.C., provincial fire official warned smoke from the large Tisigar Lake fire is expected to increase. Local residents and drivers on Highway 37 are likely to see smoke, said officials.
More than 170 personnel are fighting the 8,589-hectare fire near Watson Lake.
Crews are continuing to make excellent progress on the fire, working Thursday to extinguish hotspots 100 feet in front of the control line, said provincial fire officials.
