UPDATE: Wildfires burning southeast of Burns Lake human caused
The B.C. Wildfire Service responded to six new wildfires in the Northwest Fire Centre on Monday April 18, the majority of which are now extinguished or in "patrol" status.
The largest active wildfire covers about 30 hectares and is burning west of Dayeezcha Mountain about 44 km southeast of Burns Lake. Another fire, about 57 km southeast of Burns Lake, covers about four hectares.
No structures are threatened at this time. However, due to strong winds in the area, fire activity may increase and smoke may be visible from the communities of Southside and Burns Lake and from Hwy. 16 east of Burns Lake.
Five B.C. Wildfire Service personnel are currently responding to these incidents. Crews on the ground are being supported by a helicopter that is bucketing water onto the smaller fire. The fires are under investigation, but they are known to be human-caused.
There are currently no fire bans in the Northwest Fire Centre.
The B.C. Wildfire Service has received numerous phone reports, which allowed crews to respond quickly to these wildfires.
To report a wildfire, abandoned campfire or burning violation, call 1-800
663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
Initial attack crews had a busy day on Monday April 18, with three reported wildfires south of Burns Lake.
Seen in the picture is the fire located west of Dayeezcha Mountain, which is roughly 44 km southeast of Burns Lake and about 21 km southeast of the Southside ferry terminal.
The second fire was located near the west end of Tchesinkut Lake, approximately 16.5 km southeast of Burns Lake.
The third reported fire, which was unconfirmed by press time, was located approximately 48 km southwest of Burns Lake (about four km northeast of Skins Lake).
Check Lakes District News website for an update.