Over 40 new Forest Fires have started in the Region

Lightning has sparked over 40 new fires in the Prince George Fire Centre, including two north of Fort St. John.

The largest fire is 100 hectares in size and is near Takla Lake by Fort St. James. The two fires north of Fort St. John are only 3 and 6 hectares in size.

Multiple resources are en route to the fires and plans are being made to prioritize each new fire. The fire danger rating remains high in the Prince George Fire Centre with areas of extreme in the Vanderhoof and Prince George zones.

The Fire Service is also reminding the public that with the increase in lightning caused fires, it is crucial that resources be utlitized for these naturally caused fires and not human caused fires.

This morning Premier Campbell said it’s fine for people to go camping in designated areas and hike on trails, but he wants people to stay out of the back country. [asset|aid=1697|format=mp3player|formatter=asset_bonus|title=adcc63f931e1a7fb030273a23a9099db-Gordo Stay Home_1_Pub.mp3]

The Premier says fire officials can plan and fight natural fires much better since they’re very predictable, but human caused fires are difficult since they can happen anywhere.

About half of the 531 fires burning in BC right now are human caused. Once again this is a reminder that the camp fire ban is in place across the province of British Columbia.