An Area Restriction Order that was implemented for the Sitkum Creek wildfire on July 9, 2015, has been rescinded, effective immediately. This fire is now 90% contained.

Young people considering what skills they will need for tomorrow’s in-demand occupations will have an opportunity for interactive, hands-on experience at WorkBC’s Find Your Fit tour stop in Castlegar, as part of the summer Kootenay Festival.

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.

Recent thunderstorms have kept BC Wildfire Service crews busy fighting dozens of new fires in the Southeast Fire Centre. Crews have responded to 52 new fires since Monday, 50 of which were caused by lightning.

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.

The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a three-hectare wildfire near Kokanee Creek and two kilometres northeast of Kokanee Creek Provincial Park.

The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a three-hectare wildfire near Ingram Creek, about five kilometres north of the village of Midway.

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.