Since Monday, July 20, the BC Wildfire Service has responded to 81 new wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre. All but five of those fires were lightning-caused.

The large column of smoke visible from Nelson and surrounding areas this afternoon is the result of successful burn out operations on the Sitkum Creek wildfire.

People living in Nelson and surrounding areas will notice increased smoke on the Sitkum Creek Wildfire as a result of another proactive burn out operation.

The wildfire east of Lake Kookanusa and south of Cutts Road toward the Elk River is now 100% contained. This fire was discovered on July 4, 2015 and grew quickly and aggressively, prompting the evacuation of 200 people near Kragmont and further evacuation alerts in nearby communities.

BC Wildfire Service firefighting personnel and structural protection crews have been busy dismantling illegal burn piles put in place in anticipation of Canada Day celebrations, and the RCMP have been consulted.

Effective at noon Pacific Time on Wednesday, June 24, Category 2 open fires will be prohibited in the Southeast Fire Centre to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

On Monday, March 9, crews from the Southeast Fire Centre responded to four new wildfires, all of which were human-caused and therefore preventable.

Residents of the communities of Canal Flats and Elkford may notice heavy smoke from wildfires burning near Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park.

Open fires remain prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, despite recent rainfall and cooler temperatures.

Wildfire Management Branch personnel will be conducting a controlled burn on Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2014, (weather permitting) to help contain the Slocan Park wildfire.