Smoke from the Sitkum Creek wildfire on the north shore of Kootenay Lake will continue to be visible in nearby areas, as combustible material within the fire’s perimeter continues to burn.

The smoke is emanating from pockets of unburned fuel well within the fire’s secure containment lines. Depending on local weather conditions, these small, contained fires may flare up occasionally, but they pose no threat to any communities or structures. The site is being monitored by BC Wildfire Service personnel.

Due to the extensive use of controlled “burn-out” operations, there are solid containment lines around the fire’s perimeter. The smoke that is currently visible was expected, since not every hot spot was extinguished on this 777-hectare fire.

With the return of hot and dry conditions in the region, wildfire behaviour will likely increase through Thursday as temperatures increase and humidity levels decrease. The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution when they’re in forested areas or grasslands. Human-caused fires divert critical firefighting resources from naturally occurring wildfires.

The fire danger rating for large areas of the Southeast Fire Centre is “high”, with some areas of “extreme”. Fire danger ratings are expected to increase over the next few days.

The BC Wildfire Service would like to thank the public for respecting the open burning restrictions that are now in place to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires and protect public safety. These prohibitions include a ban on campfires, fireworks and burning barrels of any size.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

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

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