Burns Lake, B.C. – The Northwest Fire Centre is asking hunters heading into the bush to use extreme caution.

 

Some Skeena region hunting seasons begin today, but the wildfire season is also still in full effect in the Lakes District because of the West Nadina and Binta Lake forest fires. The Ministry of Forests and Range is asking hunters in the region to watch out for crews and equipment working on the fire lines.

 

Specific areas of concern for hunters are:

·        South along Highway 16 and east from Walcott to Houston, Burns Lake and Fraser Lake.

·        All areas west of the Holy Cross Forest Service Road to Knewtubb Lake.

·        All areas north of Nathlkuz Lake, Ootsa Lake and west to Tatsa Lake.

·        All areas east of the Kemano River, Atna Peak, Dogs Ear Peak and Eagle Peak.

 

The West Nadina Complex is 50 percent contained and the Binta Lake complex 90 percent contained, but crews and heavy equipment will be in the area for most of the September conducting patrols and putting out any hot spots. 

 

Danger trees are also a concern for backcountry users. Intense fire activity can damage the root systems of stands, making trees prone to toppling over.