Smithers, BC – The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to seven fires within the past week, all of which were human-caused.

Fire Information Officer, Lindsay Carnes, says the largest fire was approximately 3.4-hectares in size – roughly seven football fields in size. 

"These fires serve as a reminder that wildfire season has begun and that it is important to stay vigilant with any spring burning or campfires going into the Victoria Day long weekend," says Carnes.

She’s reminding people that grass is still dry and cured in many areas which creates the potential for open burns to escape and turn into a wildfire.

Although the Northwest Fire Centre currently does not have any open fire prohibitions in place, residents are being reminded to keep their backyard burn or campfire under control by ensuring that enough people, water, and tools are on-hand to keep the fire contained.