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Forest fire danger drops but fire chief urges caution

A series of lightning storms in the hills behind Sooke on Saturday and Sunday could cause some problems

The fire danger in the region dropped to high from extreme on Monday, but Sooke Fire Chief Steven Sorensen isn’t dropping his guard yet.

A series of lightning storms in the hills behind Sooke on Saturday and Sunday could cause some problems for firefighters.

“My fear is something is burning underground after a lightning strike,” Sorensen said yesterday. “It just hasn’t popped up yet.”

With the warm weather expected to return by this weekend, Sorensen said he expects the fire danger rating to return to extreme.

A campfire and burning ban remains in effect throughout the region.

Sooke Fire Rescue has responded to few fires over the last week.

“[The most] complaints have been people thinking something’s burning and its turned out to be burning steak on a barbecue or something,” Sorensen said.

“People have been really good at being diligent with watching out. I’d much rather that they call and find out it was nothing then not call and it turns into something.”

If you see a wildfire in B.C. call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cellphone. Nearly one third of all wildfires in B.C. are detected and reported by the general public.