The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring a 40-hectare wildfire burning in Granby Provincial Park. Depending on wind direction, drifting smoke from this fire may be visible in the Lower Arrow Lake region, Castlegar and surrounding communities.

Fire is a natural process and helps maintain a healthy forest and a diversity of plant and animal life. Due to the potential ecological benefits of this fire and its remote location, the BC Wildfire Service and BC Parks are only monitoring this fire and not actively suppressing it.

Allowing naturally occurring fires to burn in remote areas of Granby Provincial Park is consistent with BC Parks’ Fire Management Plan. Updates regarding the recreational use of the park are posted on the BC Parks website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/granby

The fire danger rating in the Southeast Fire Centre is currently “moderate” to “high”, with pockets of “extreme” in the Boundary, Arrow and Kootenay Lake fire zones. Since April 1, 2016, 139 wildfires have burned 382 hectares in the Southeast Fire Centre. Of those fires, 96 were caused by lightning and the rest were caused by people.

The Southeast Fire Centre would like to thank the public for their diligence with safe campfire use in this period of elevated fire danger. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.

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

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