The BC Wildfire Service is responding to two wildfires in the East Kootenay. There is a full response to both of these fires including multiple helicopters and airtankers supporting crews on the ground.

•  One fire is adjacent to the Elk River, and 1.5 kilometres east of Highway 93 and the community of Baynes Lake. Twenty-five BC Wildfire Service firefighters and multiple pieces of heavy equipment are working on this incident. This fire is currently estimated at 200 hectares.

•  One fire is adjacent to Highway 95, near Cedared Creek and the communities of Harrogate and Brisco. Ten firefighters and a water tender are on site. This fire is estimated at 50 hectares.

  The Regional District of East Kootenay has issued Evacuation Alerts or Orders in some areas around these wildfires. For more information, visit: http://www.rdek.bc.ca

  With hot and dry conditions forecast through next week and the potential for more thunderstorms, the Southeast Fire Centre is urging the public to be extra cautious in the backcountry. All person-caused fires are preventable and these incidents may affect the ability of the firefighting crews to respond to naturally occurring fires.

  We are urging the public to continue their participation in reporting any smoke or flames that they may see. You can report a wildfire by calling 1-800-663-5555, or *5555 on your cellular phone.

  For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca