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.

The BC Wildfire Service responded to 32 abandoned campfires over the B.C. Day long weekend in the Southeast Fire Centre. The public is being urged to be more careful with fire use to help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

The BC Wildfire Service is reminding the public that the use of fireworks is banned in the Southeast Fire Centre, as part of the Category 2 and Category 3 open burning prohibitions implemented earlier this year to help reduce wildfire risks.

BC Wildfire Service personnel are currently assisting the local Nakusp fire department with an estimated 1.5-hectare fire burning southeast of Nakusp at Box Lake Lumber.

Effective at noon Pacific Time on Monday, July 4, 2016, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

BC Wildfire Service crews will be conducting a prescribed burn for BC Timber Sales near Hope Creek on Monday, June 27, 2016, weather permitting. Smoke will be visible from Highway 31 between Poplar Creek and Trout Lake.

A public access restriction is now in effect along the Gilpin Forest Service Road, due to the nearby Gilpin wildfire. This area restriction was put in place to protect the public and allow first responders to operate safely in the area.

The wildfire burning in the Gilpin area east of Grand Forks has grown to 224 hectares, but cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels are forecasted for the area.  

BC Wildfire Service crews are working with local fire departments to respond to two wildfires burning between Christina Lake and Grand Forks.