Lightning yesterday starts 22 new Forest Fires

Lightning yesterday afternoon and evening caused 22 new fires in the
Prince George Fire Centre, with more fire starts expected.

The lightning started one fire of note and the remaining fires are less than one hectare in
size.

The fire of note occurred on Swanson Road north of Cluculz Lake. It has reached a size
of 2.4 hectares and was contained by heavy equipment that built a guard completely around the
fire. There are currently 20 fire fighters suppressing the fire and helicopters and air tankers were
used yesterday to drop water and fire retardant on the fire. Four homes are within 200 meters of
the fire but are not threatened.

Of the 22 fires 7 are located here in the BC Peace Region. At the moment they are all small Forest Fires and are not near an structures. The Forest Service hopes most of these fires will be put out by rain that is in the forecast for this region today and tomorrow.

The fire danger rating is currently high to extreme across the Prince George Fire Centre.
Due to continued risk of lightning the BC Forest Service reminds the public to use extreme
caution when lighting any fires. Human caused fires divert critical resources from naturally
occurring fires caused by lightning.

The Prince George Fire Centre covers from the Yukon and Northwest Territories in the
north, to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, Cottonwood River and Robson Valley in the south; and
from the Alberta border in the east to the Skeena Mountains in the west.

Geographically this area extends from Kinbasket Lake in the south to Endako in the west,
north to the Yukon border and east to the Alberta border.

To report a wildfire or unattended campfire call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most
cellular networks. For more information on open fire restrictions or for updates on current
wildfire activity, visit www.bcwildfire.ca, or call our information line 1-888-3FOREST (1-888-
336-7378).