Lightning starts three separate forest fires in Nova Scotia

Smoke from three separate wildfires in the Northwest Fire Centre may be visible in certain areas.

Smoke from a fire burning within Mount Edziza Provincial Park may be visible from certain locations on Highway 37 and Telegraph Creek Road. The 105-hectare, lightning-caused fire is approximately 30 kilometres northeast of the community of Telegraph Creek.

Two other lightning-caused fires may also be producing a large amount of smoke: one 100-hectare fire is 57 kilometres from Telegraph Creek near the Samotua River, while another 1,425-hectare fire is burning between Atlin and Dease Lake.

All of these fires are under modified response, which means they are being monitored but are allowed to burn to capitalize on the ecological benefits of naturally occurring wildfires. This type of response is in accordance with the Mount Edziza Provincial Park and Skeena/Stikine Forest District Fire Management Plans, which specify that wildfire responses must be respectful of the environment and landscape to preserve the natural habitat and meet land management objectives.

Each fire remains under careful observation by Northwest Fire Centre staff to ensure it does not spread beyond the points specified by the land manager.

The Northwest Fire Centre has responded to 24 fires since April 1, burning a total of 1,301 hectares. Fire danger ratings in the northwestern portion of the fire centre are high to extreme, while the southern portion of the fire centre remains at moderate.

It is crucial that the public plays it safe with any open fire use, whether enjoying a campfire or cleaning up backyard debris.