B.C. premier: Stay out of the woods

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Residents of Canada's westernmost province have been asked to stay out of the woods because of the extreme danger of wildfire.

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell says the backcountry is unsafe because of the combination of high temperatures, drought and dry lightning, The Vancouver Sun reported.

"High temperatures have created a serious situation that can best be described as tinder-dry," Campbell said Friday in a news conference. "The forests in this province are probably the driest they've been since any of us can recall."

There have been more than 1,800 wildfires in the province since April 1, including 170 on Thursday. About half the fires have been blamed on human activity.

British Columbia has banned logging and open fires. Those who start fires, even accidentally, could face large fines or a bill for the cost of fighting the blaze.