With increasing wildfire activity and continued hot and dry conditions, British Columbians are encouraged to do everything they can to prevent wildfires and help the province's hardworking firefighters and support staff get the job done.
"The men and women of the BC Wildfire Service are working long hours in sometimes very difficult conditions, so I'm asking everyone to do their part to prevent wildfires and not add to their workload," said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. "Be careful when you're out in the backcountry. Follow the rules and avoid any activities that could start a wildfire."
The month of August is generally the most active part of B.C.'s wildfire season. From April 1 to Aug. 1, the BC Wildfire Service responded to 1,260 wildfires throughout B.C., 27 per cent of which were caused by people.
In the immediate area, two more wildfires of note have erupted west of Prince George. As of Thursday afternoon, the Nadina Lake fire 60 kilometres south of Houston stood at 380 hectares and the Verdun Mountain fire 17 kilometres south of Grassy Plains covered 52 hectares. Crews are on the scenes and both were lightning caused and first discovered on Tuesday, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Meanwhile, the Shovel Lake wildfire 15 kilometres northwest of Endako remained at 5,000 hectares and zero-per-cent contained as of Thursday morning. It was first discovered on July 27.
On Wednesday, the Bulkley Nechako Regional District issued an evacuation alert for the Verdun fire. The alert covers an area bordered by Keefes Landing Road, Eakin Settlement Road and Spud Lake Road.
An evacuation alert also remains in place for the Shovel Lake wildfire.
Southwest of Prince George, the Chutlanli Lake wildfire remained at about 800 hectares as of Thursday morning and a crew was constructing guard on the southern edge.
The Kluskus Forest Service Road was open to traffic, "however, fire activity can change quickly so use caution when using this road," BCWFS said. "Due to smoke in the area morning is the best time to travel on the Kluskus."
The Cariboo Regional District's evacuation alert for the Tatelkuz Lake area remains in place.
Donaldson reminded drone operators, recreational boaters and users of other types of watercraft to stay clear of areas where firefighting aircraft are operating. Interference with their efforts could have deadly consequences and result in large fines, or even jail time, for those involved.
"When airtankers or helicopters are working around wildfires or picking up water from nearby lakes, they need lots of room to manoeuvre," said Donaldson. "People who get in the way pose a serious safety risk for the air crews and anyone else in the area. They also cause delays in getting fires under control."
Campfires are currently banned everywhere in British Columbia except within the Prince George Fire Centre's jurisdiction. In those areas where campfires are still allowed, people are urged to use caution and remain vigilant.
Anyone found in contravention of an open-burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, may be required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, may be fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
To report a wildfire or open-burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free, or *5555 on a cellphone.
For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST or visit www.bcwildfire.ca
