The smoke that’s currently visible in many areas of the Southeast Fire Centre is originating from several wildfires burning in Idaho and Washington State.
Depending on wind patterns, smoke can travel long distances. The communities of Trail, Rossland, Castlegar, Nelson, Cranbrook, Creston (and surrounding areas) will continue to experience smoky conditions so long as the wind from the south continues.
Although there are no significant wildfires in the southeast region that would create the amount of smoke now being seen in the area, 13 BC Wildfire Service personnel are responding two spot-sized fires north of Salmo. These small, lightning-caused fires are not threatening any communities or structures, but smoke from these fires may be visible from Ymir, Salmo and Highway 6.
From April 1 to Aug. 3, 2016, the BC Wildfire Service has responded to 93 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre, which have burned 330 hectares. Fifty-five of those fires were lightning-caused and 38 were human-caused.
Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail. If the contravention causes or contributes to a wildfire, the person responsible may be ordered to pay all firefighting and associated costs.
