Boundary region could see influx of smoke from Washington State Fire
By Nelson Daily Staff
Fires burning south of the border in Washington State could cause an influx of heavy smoke into the Grand Forks, Rock Creek and Midway said Jordan Turner Fire Information Officer for the Southeast Fire Centre in a media release.
The smoke is due to the Toroda Mountain fire burning northeast of Wauconda in Washington State.
Turner said the size of the Toroda Mountain fire is estimated at 40 hectares. The fire is currently being managed by crews in Washington State’s Department of Natural Resources.
Turner said smoky conditions are expected to continue as a result of this wildfire and weather conditions in the coming days. Any growth in the size of this fire may increase the amount of smoke seen in the area.
Meanwhile, Turner said crews are responding to a wildfire near White Tail Brook, about 10 kilometres east of the village of Canal Flats.
The fire covers an estimated 150 hectares and no structures or communities are at risk at this time.
There is a full response to this fire, including multiple helicopters and airtankers supporting over 40 personnel on the ground.
Turner said the fire site is close to the Nine Mile Forest Service Road, which connects to the Whiteswan Forest Service Road. The Whiteswan Forest Service Road and access to Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park remain open, but the Wildfire Management Branch has established security stations to limit access to some small back roads in the area.
Depending on fire behaviour, there could be additional back road closures.
Turner said firefighters have responded to 32 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre since Thursday, July 24.
The majority of them have been small, spot-sized wildfires and none of those fires is currently threatening any properties or infrastructure.
For information on air quality, as well as smoke forecasts for Western Canada, visit the BC Air Quality website.
For information on wildfires in Washington State, visit the state website.
Anyone seeing a fire or an unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll- free or *5555 on a cellphone.
