British Columbia isn’t the only area dealing with fires. Just as smoke from B.C. fires is drifting into Alberta, we’re seeing smoke from the south drifting north.
Smoke from a large fire burning in Washington State has been highly visible in the Penticton Fire Zone and in much of southern B.C. recently. The smoke is expected to be seen in the area for the next few days.
Detecting new fires in this situation can be challenging. If open flame or a distinct column of smoke is visible, report it to *5555 or 1-800-663-5555 as soon as possible and provide as much detail as possible.
diamondfireA Kamloops Fire Centre spokesperson told the Keremeos Review Friday they received numerous calls about the smoke in the area.
“There is a tonne of smoke, but it is not coming from a Canadian wildfire,” said the fire information officer.
The smoke is reportedly blowing in from a fire near Diamond Creek (southwest of Keremeos) which is in the Pasayten Wilderness. Diamond Creek is about 18 air miles north of Mazama, Washington.
Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change.
To see the current smoke forecast for western Canada, visit http://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/BSC00WC04/current/ and for the latest information about air quality, check www.bcairquality.ca.
The Kamloops Fire Centre, which includes the South Okanagan, is currently experiencing elevated fire danger ratings, from high to extreme throughout the region. With hot and dry conditions forecast for the next several days, the Kamloops Fire Centre is urging the public to be vigilant in the backcountry. All human-caused fires are preventable and can divert critical resources from naturally occurring wildfires.
The BC Wildfire Service also issued a reminder, warning that campfires are prohibited throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre.
For the latest information on wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, visit the B.C. Wildfire Service website: www.bcwildfire.ca.
You can also follow the latest B.C. wildfire news on Twitter at BCGovFireInfo and on Facebook at BCForestFireInfo. For more information about wildfires burning in the U.S. visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/.
