UPDATED: West Kokanee Creek Wildfire burns north of Nelson
By The Nelson Daily Sports
A thunderstorm that rolled over the West Kootenay region Monday afternoon sparked a series of wildfires, including several surrounding Nelson.
The fire that received the most attention is located approximately 15 kilometers north of Nelson in the mountains near Kokanee Creek Provincial Park — West Kokanee Creek Wildfire.
The wildfire, now estimated Tuesday by BC Wildfire Service at 50 hectares, was discovered at approximately 5 p.m. Monday.
BC Wildfire Service said the West Kokanee Creek fire continues to spread and is not responding to suppression efforts.
Helicopters with buckets and airtankers, equipped with tanks and are specifically designed to drop fire retardant, have been seen over Nelson to assist in the fighting of numerous new fires sparked during the weekend.
Environment Canada was forecasting for another risk of thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon with temperatures rising to the high 20s. However, the thunderstorms are not forecasted for possibly Wednesday.
There is also a Smoky Skies Bulletin for regions are being impacted by wildfire smoke over the next 24-48 hours.
The bulletin can be accessed online at https://www.gov.bc.ca/airqualityadvisories
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations.
Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke.
- People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
- Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.
- Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air.
The screenshot of the BC Wildfire Service map shows wildfires near Nelson. — Screenshot photo
The nighttime photo from Nelson of the West Kokanee Creek Wildfire that is now estimated at 50 hectares by BC Wildfire Service.
