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UPDATED: Elephant Mountain Fire now under control

The Nelson Daily Staff
By The Nelson Daily Staff
August 27th, 2022

The Southeast Fire Centre said Saturday that the Elephant Mountain fire near Nelson is now under control.

"We responded last evening with crews and helicopter support," said the Southeast Fire Centre in a emailed statement.

"This morning, crews are back working on the fire, and are being supported by two helicopters."

The Southeast Fire Centre said fire, caused by lightning during Friday evening's thunderstorm, is currently 0.04 hectares in size, is not expected to grow in the forecasted conditions.

The Southeast Fire Centre said Saturday’s weather may provide some precipitation in the area along with cooler temperatures.

However, the area could experience increasing winds.

There are currently 89 wildfires burning in the Southeast Fire Centre — 17 new fires in the last two days. Provincially, there have been 329 new fires in the last seven days.

Friday's lightning storm saw more new fires in mountains between Nelson and Balfour — West Kokanee #2, 6 Mile Creek, on the north side of Kootenay Lake, and Tunstall Creek on the south side of Kootenay Lake.

All fires were suspected caused by lightning on Friday, August 27, 2022.

Wildfire ignites near Pulpit Rock

BC Wildfire Service and City of Nelson are reporting that lightning from the evening storm has caused a fire near Pulpit Rock on the north side of Kootenay Lake.

Nelson Fire and Rescue Services said that at approximately 8:45 p.m, a lightning strike ignited a wildfire above the west end of Johnstone Road, directly across from the Heritage City.

The Nelson Fire and Rescue Services social media post said that the Southeast Fire Centre and North Shore Fire Department have been dispatched.

BC Wildfire Service currently reports the fire at .01 hectare in size.

The public is urged to stay out of this area while first responders deal with the wildfire.

If anyone see additional wildfire from the thunderstorm, they are advised to contact BC Wildfire reporting line at 1-800-663-5555.

The BC Wildfire Service Dashboard said the Pulpit Rock fire is currently listed at 0.01 hectares. 

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