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Wildfire reported and suppressed in Parson

While the calendar might still read April, Golden is experiencing July-like weather conditions that has created wildfire conditions.
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A wildfire in Parson was the first in the Golden area this season.

While the calendar might still read April, the Southeast Fire Centre is experiencing July-like weather conditions that has created an early start to the wildfire season in eastern British Columbia.

A fire was reported in the Parson area yesterday afternoon, with a six-person ground crew and one helicopter responding. The fire was completely suppressed and contained by this morning.

The fire was located on private property, but no structural damage was reported on the property or in the surrounding area.

"It's potentially a person-caused (fire)…but it is under investigation so we don't know exactly what the cause was yet but I can safely report that there was no lightning in the area yesterday," said Fire Communications Specialist Karlie Shaughnessy with the BC Wildfire Service.

While a significant snowpack remains in the alpine, the valley is susceptible to more fires this week before a few days of forecasted rain arrive this weekend.

"We're going to be experiencing a few more days of this July-like temperature and weather. So we do want to make sure that the public are aware that if they do cause a fire and they are held liable they will be held responsible for all fire suppression costs relating to extinguishing that fire," Shaughnessy said.

Nine fires have been reported so far in the Southeast Fire Centre, burning 54 hectares in total. The five-year average for this region at this time of year is five fires and 13.5 hectares.

Anyone that's thinking of doing backyard burning should follow proper protocol. More information can be found at www.bcwildfire.ca.