2 new fires burn in coastal B.C.

Provincial fire crewsbattled two new wildfires in coastal British Columbia on Saturday.

Four helicopters dropped fire retardant on a small fire that started Friday on Salt Spring Island, one of the Gulf Islands. In addition, 30 firefightersfought theblaze on Mount Maxwell.

"It's in very steep and open ground. The fire is burning mostly in moss and arbutus [trees], and grass and rock is basically what we're looking at over there," fire information officer Donna MacPherson said.

"Because of the steepness we don't have any heavy equipment working on the fire. It's hard work for the crews on the ground to dig down to mineral soil and get some water."

There is an evacuation alert in effect for residents in the vicinity.

It's believed the fire was caused by a person.

Fraser Valleycalls in provincial help

Meanwhile, the Mission Fire Department in B.C.'s Fraser Valley had to call in a provincial forest fire attack crew and a helicopter to attempt to contain a fire.

MacPherson said the blaze started in driftwood along Stave Lake and quickly spread.

Shesaid no houses, hydro lines or other property were at risk, but the blaze was spreading quickly.

MacPhersonsaid attack crews were making good progress, but the fire could spread if winds picked up Saturday.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.

The blazes are two of more than a dozen burning in the province.