While many residents are rejoicing that summer weather is finally here, it's also important to remember that hot weather in the region means potential forest fires.

Of the 58 fires (overall 79 hectares in size) that have ignited in the Southeast Fire Centre since April, 33 fires have been person-caused, according to Karlie Shaughnessy, a fire information officer.

“It's crucial that crews are available to respond to naturally-occurring wildfires – person-caused wildfires divert critical resources away from managing lightning-caused fires,” she said.

Stormy weather that passed through the region over the weekend ignited 10 fires – two in Castlegar.

A fire that was 0.3 hectares in size when it broke out across from Syringa Creek Provincial Park is now being actioned by fire suppression crews, following air tankers. Another two small fires west of Kinnaird, about five kilometres outside of Castlegar, are also being eliminated.

“We've had a very wet spring and it's just starting to warm up now,” said Shaughnessy, noting the difference from last year's rare fire season start in May and June.

There were 113 fires reported by this time last year.

“Basically it depends on whether the thunderstorms coming through are accompanied by rain,” she said. “It's dry out now and we're starting to see the start of fire season.”

Thunderstorms travelled through the region Saturday and Sunday north and east of Trail. While some areas got up to 20 millimetres of rain, others soaked up only five mm, according to Ron Lakeman, a forecaster for the Southeast Fire Centre.

“As we get into some dry weather, fires sitting below fuels will come to life,” said Lakeman.

The forecast for the next couple weeks remains on the hot/dry side – staying in the 30s this week. This warm weather could be accompanied by lightning.

The Southeast Fire Centre, which encompasses the area extending from the U.S. border in the south to Mica Dam in the north and from Okanagan Highlands or Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C./ Alberta border in the east sits at a moderate-level fire danger. But the Boundary and North Columbia fire zones are considered to be at a high to extreme rating.

A fire around the size of two football fields was ignited east of Creston on Mount Thompson this weekend. The 2.2-hectare fire started Sunday due to lightning and is under control thanks to unit crews and air tankers that responded to the scene.

The Southeast region restricts burning and allows only small, contained campfires - half-a-metre by half-a-metre. But inside city limits is another story with communities like Trail that ban fires altogether.

Campfires left unattended or found to be too large are subject to a $345 fine while anyone responsible for fires that get away and cause major damage can be fined up to $10,000 and billed up to a million dollars for costs incurred in fighting the fire.

For more information on wildfires across the province, visit www.bcwildfire.ca

To report a fire, call star-5555 or 1-800-663-5555.