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BC Wildfire Service said increased activity in Southeast Fire Centre

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
August 2nd, 2020

The Southeast Fire Centre said in a media release Sunday that BC Wildfire Service staff has has been responding to multiple lightning-caused wildfire starts in the region, with the Arrow, Boundary, Columbia and Cranbrook zones seeing fire ignitions during the last 48 hours.

The Southeast Fire Centre said with these thunderstorm cells carrying minimal rain, it is expected that more fires will be discovered over the morning hours.

“While there are currently no fires of note, the BC Wildfire Service ground crews and air support are responding to four fires that are visible from the Revelstoke area, located either on or near Mount Begbie,” Southeast Fire Centre media release said.

“The largest of these fires is estimated at 0.1 hectares in size and there are multiple crews on scene with helicopter support.”

The Southeast Fire Centre said crews may also be seen working on the Burton Creek wildfire that is located approximately 35 kilometres south of Nakusp.

The Burton Creek wildfire is estimated at 0.1 hectares in size and ground crews are receiving support from both airtanker and rappel crews.

BC Wildfire Service staff was aware of the possibility of dry thunderstorm conditions over the weekend. In response to the anticipated weather patterns, additional crews and resources were strategically placed on standby throughout the Southeast Fire Centre to ensure rapid response capabilities.

“While zones throughout the Southeast are well-resourced and have crews available, the BC Wildfire Service asks that all campfire use is done responsibly, ensuring that crews and resources are not unnecessarily deferred onto human-caused fires,” the media release said. 

The Southeast Fire Centre extends from the U.S. border to Mica Dam and from the Okanagan Highlands/west side of the Monashee Mountains to the B.C./Alberta border — which has several provincial parks including Valhalla, Kokanee Glacier, Top of the World and Elk Lakes.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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