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Crews are responding to nine new fires in the Kamloops Fire Centre this morning, all of which were caused by the lightning storm that passed through the area late last night. B.C. Forest Service resources will be busy locating these new lightning starts throughout the day by both ground and air patrols. Early detection is important in suppressing these wildfires.

The wildfire located five kilometres southeast of Spences Bridge is now 75 per cent contained. Resources on site include 40 firefighters, four helicopters and two pieces of heavy equipment. Crews will continue to work at establishing a hand guard around the base of this fire. The weather is forecast to continue with mainly sunny skies and temperatures in the low thirties.

A risk of thunderstorms in the North Thompson and Monashees remains in place until Thursday, and the public is reminded that person-caused fires take critical resources away from naturally-occurring lightning caused fires.

The warm and dry conditions combined with afternoon winds have increased the fire danger rating throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre. The fire danger rating is currently high in the majority of the fire centre, with pockets of extreme in Salmon Arm and Clearwater.

The Kamloops Fire Centre has responded to 99 wildfires this season, of which 77 have been person-caused and therefore preventable. Burning restrictions remain in place across the region and all fires larger than one half metre in height or diameter are prohibited. Although small, contained campfires are permitted, the public is reminded to have hand tools and at least eight litres of water nearby to fully extinguish it.