VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- The wildfire danger in western Canada has not ended, authorities warn, especially with lightning in the forecast.
Officials in British Columbia said Friday the mix of hot weather, low humidity and lightning was expected during the weekend, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.
"We are asking the public to be extremely cautious over the next few days," B.C. Forests Minister Pat Bell said. "There is a high likelihood that we will see new lightning-caused fires arise in the southern portion of the province and that existing fires will begin to exhibit extreme fire behavior."
The fire danger has been so high all summer officials have asked hikers and backpackers to stay out of the back country, warning they could not count on rescue if wildfires break out. Bell reminded the public Friday anyone lighting a campfire in the regions where they have been banned could face an expensive ticket and asked campers to be careful in other areas.
Several fires are still burning in the province. The largest, at Lava Lake, remained uncontained early Saturday.
