PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS are this morning keeping an eye on a fire burning near Mess Creek, west of the Mount Edziza Provincial Park north of Terrace.
The fire, now estimated at 1,500ha, has been burning for several days and is not threatening communities or infrastructure.
It's been termed a "modified response fire" since it is burning withing a forest type that will benefit from wildfire activity, says Suzanne Pearce from the Northwest Fire Centre in Smithers.
"Fire returns nutrients to the soil, resulting in new growth and the creation of habitat that is preferred by some wildlife. Fire also helps remove the build-up of fuels and creates a natural firebreak that will make future fires easier to contain," she said.
Smoke may be visible to residents of Telegraph Creek and Atlin.
"Fire danger rating in the Cassiar Fire Zone is "moderate" to "high", with continued hot dry weather in the forecast. Initial attack crews and response officers have been prepositioned throughout the Cassiar Fire Zone in anticipation of potential fire starts," said Pearce.
The continuation of hot, dry weather has brought about a number of fire bans in the northwest, including open fires within the City of Terrace boundaries.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or call *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on fire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the Wildfire Management Branch website: www.bcwildfire.ca