The heart rates of area first responders went up a few notches when a forest fire was reported the afternoon of July 25 in the Barriere area.

The report noted smoke in the vicinity of the Glen Grove Subdivision and Agate Bay Road.

Barriere Fire Department, Barriere RCMP and a helicopter from Forestry immediately attended the area but were unable to locate any signs of a fire.

After an extensive search of the site and adjacent areas responders returned to base.

High temperatures and active thunderstorms are keeping many valley residents on their toes.

The public is reminded to use extreme caution whenever handling fire or fire potential in bush or forested areas.