A new wildfire is burning near Kokanee Creek Provincial Park as a campfire ban takes effect in the B.C. Southeast Fire Centre at noon Friday. Wildfire ratings vary between moderate to high, with even pockets of extreme danger near Revelstoke.
Currently, there is one wildfire of note in the Southeast, near Rock Creek. The 26-hectare, lightning-caused fire started June 28 and is now 100% contained.
The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a three-hectare wildfire near Kokanee Creek and two kilometres northeast of Kokanee Creek Provincial Park. No structures are immediately threatened at this time.
The BC Wildfire Service reporting line has received many calls from campers at the park and travellers along Highway 3A.
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.
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.
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 BC Wildfire Service reminds the public 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.
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
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