BC Wildfire Service personnel are continuing to monitor and develop control strategies for the 80-hectare Harrop Creek wildfire.

The fire is about 10 kilometres south of the communities of Harrop and Procter on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake.

The fire, which has been burning since Thursday, July 27, poses no threat to any communities or infrastructure at this time and is burning at an elevation of 2,000 metres.

Initial attack crews were initially dispatched to the fire. However, because of the steep, rocky and inaccessible location of the fire, they were withdrawn for safety reasons. Instead, crews will try to build a guard further down the mountain, where they can effectively fight the fire on safer ground.

Because of the difficult terrain and smoky conditions, air tankers were not able to action the wildfire effectively. A heavy-lift helicopter better suited to high-elevation fires has now been dispatched to support local efforts on this fire.

The fire continues to produce large amounts of smoke and will be highly visible in and around the West Arm of Kootenay Lake.

With hot and dry conditions forecast through next week the Southeast Fire Centre is urging the public to be vigilant both in their communities and in the back country.

The BC Wildfire Service reminds the public that campfires are prohibited throughout the Southeast Fire Centre and urges the public to abide by these restrictions to reduce the number of human-caused wildfires, which can divert critical resources from naturally occurring wildfires.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

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