UPDATED: Wildfire north of Nelson in 'being held' stage
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Southeast Fire Centre said the small wildfire burning north of Nelson is in the "being held'' stage, and is not likely to spread.
The Southeast Fire Centre officials said the wildfire, which was human caused, is .02 hectares in size, is currently being monitored by three BC Wildfire firefighters.
When a fire is at the "being held" stage it is considered to be under control but still smouldering. Previously, this was called the "mop-up" stage.
Hot dry weather is once again in the forecast — Environment Canada is calling for tempertures in the mid 30's C for the next week, prompting BC Wildfire Service to put into place a campfire ban, starting at noon Pacific time on Thursday, July 26, 2018, in the Southeast Fire Centre. The ban is to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.
This campfire ban will remain in place until further notice.
Meanwhile, The BC Wildfire Service is responding to the Beards Creek wildfire, located approximately 5 kilometres north of Parson and Hwy 95, and approximately 34 kilometres southeast of Golden.
The fire is producing a large column of smoke this afternoon. It is highly visible from Hwy 95, Hwy 1, Parson and the surrounding area.
The fire is currently estimated to be 20 hectares in size. Seven BC Wildfire Service personnel are on site, with the aid of three helicopters. This fire is not impacting any communities or structures at this time. It is burning in steep and difficult terrain that is unsafe for crews to action directly.
The fire is a modified response fire. This means it is managed using a combination of suppression techniques, including direct and indirect attack, and monitoring to steer, contain and otherwise manage fire activity within pre-determined perimeters. This type of response is used to minimize costs and/or damage, and to maximize benefits from the fire.
The Southeast Fire Centre is currently experiencing hot and dry conditions. The fire danger rating is "moderate" in some areas, with larger areas rated "high" and "extreme". Forest fuels are drying out quickly, and hot weather and dry lightning are in the forecast. It is crucial to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, so the BC Wildfire Service can deal with any naturally occurring fires that start in the region.
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
You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:
* Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
* Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
Southeast Fire Centre reports small wildfire burning north of Nelson
The Southeast Fire Centre is reporting crews are on site of a small fire in the mountains north of Nelson above Highway 3A.
The Southeast Fire Centre said the new fire, called Sitkum/Five Gables, is located near Bodard Road, approximately 12 kilometers from Nelson on the North Shore.
“This is a low intensity fire,” the Southeast Fire Centre said. “Crews are already on site.”
The fire size is listed at .03 hectares. Crews used road access to deal with the wildfire. Light smoke can be seen from some residences on the North Shore.
The fire was reported earlier Tuesday. The Southeast Fire Centre said cause of the fire is suspicious as there was no lightning reported in the area.
The fire danger rating in the Southeast Fire Centre is currently a mixture of "moderate", "high" and "extreme" across the south and central parts of the region, with areas of "moderate" in the north.
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
You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:
* Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
* Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
