Smithers, B.C. – Lightning strikes coupled with warm, dry weather conditions are responsible for all but one of eight new fires in the last 24 hours in the Smithers, Terrace, Hazleton and Telkwa areas.

Seven of these fires appear to be the result of lightning strikes, but one is suspected to be human-caused and is under investigation.

One fire about seven kilometres east of Terrace currently covers about two hectares. Helicopters, airtankers and ground crews will continue working to contain this fire over the weekend. As a precautionary measure the Northwest Fire Centre is asking people to avoid the West Copper Forest Service Road and surrounding area.

The fire danger rating remains at “high” to “extreme” in most of the Northwest Fire Centre and a  campfire ban remains in effect for many parts of the region.

Meantime, with weather conditions expected to remain dry in the coming week, water users in the Bulkley and Skeena watersheds are being urged to reduce water consumption.

The region is currently experiencing Level 3 drought conditions, which call for voluntary water use reductions of 20% or more from all municipal, agricultural and industrial users. Residents within municipalities are encouraged to observe municipal water conservation bylaws.

Staff with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations are monitoring river levels and may upgrade the drought advisory if the weather continues to have a negative effect on stream flows. The River Forecast Centre has issued a low streamflow advisory for the Skeena and Bulkley rivers and tributaries.