Lightning brings with it increased wildfire activity In the southeast | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kelowna News

Lightning brings with it increased wildfire activity In the southeast

The BC Wildfire Service has been kept busy responding to lightning-caused wildfire starts in the Southeast Fire Centre with the Arrow, Boundary, Columbia, and Cranbrook zones all having ignitions over the last 48 hours.

"With these thunderstorm cells carrying minimal rain, it is expected that more fires will be discovered over the morning hours," reads the press release from the wildfire service.

"While there are currently no fires of note, the BC Wildfire Service ground crews and air support are responding to four fires that are visible from the Revelstoke area, located either on or near Mount Begbie. The largest of these fires is estimated at 0.1 hectares in size and there are multiple crews on scene with helicopter support."

Crews may also be seen working on the Burton Creek wildfire that is located approximately 35 kilometres south of Nakusp. The fire is estimated at 0.1 hectares in size and ground crews are receiving support from both airtanker and rappel crews.

The BC Wildfire Service was aware of the possibility of dry thunderstorm conditions over the weekend. In response to the anticipated weather patterns, additional crews and resources were strategically placed on standby throughout the Southeast Fire Centre to ensure rapid response capabilities.

While zones throughout the Southeast are well-resourced and have crews available, the BC Wildfire Service asks that all campfire use is done responsibly, ensuring that crews and resources are not unnecessarily deferred onto human-caused fires.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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