Southeast Fire Centre reports small wildfire northeast of Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Southeast Fire Center said Friday BC Wildfire Service is responding to a three-hectare wildfire near Kokanee Creek and two kilometres northeast of Kokanee Creek Provincial Park.
The Southeast Fire Centre, in a prepared statement, saiud no structures are immediately threatened at this time.
“Our wildfire reporting line has received many calls from campers at the park and travellers along Highway 3A,” Jordan Turner, Fire Information Officer said in the media release.
“The Southeast Fire Centre appreciates the public’s continued assistance in reporting wildfires.”
Turner said a 20-person unit crew from the BC Wildfire Service is being supported by local contract firefighters and four Air Tractor “Fire Boss” amphibious airtankers that can drop water, foam or retardant on a fire.
He added that fire crews are travelling to the fire site on the Kokanee Creek Forest Service Road and the West Kokanee Forest Service Road.
“The BC Wildfire Service is asking the public to avoid these access points,” he said.
Turner said the current fire danger rating in the Southeast Fire Centre is “moderate” or “high”, with some pockets rated “extreme” near Midway, Grand Forks, Kaslo and Revelstoke.
“The public is reminded that at noon today, all open fires – including campfires – will be prohibited throughout the entire Southeast Fire Centre. This prohibition will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified,” he added.
To report a wildfire 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, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
