Smoke in the air coming from south of the border
By Nelson Daily Staff
There’s smoke in the air.
So it must be fire season in the Southeast Fire region.
However, the smoke is not from fires within the region said Southeast Fire information officer Karlie Shaughnessy Monday.
“The general hazing of smoke is blowing in from wildfires in the United States,” Shaughnessy explained.
“Right now there’s a lot of major fires in Washington State, Idaho and California burning that smoke is blowing up from.”
In Idaho, the 38,800-hectare wildfire in the Boise National Forest has the town of Feathervilleon edge.
In Washington State handful of wildfires are burning east of the Cascades Monday.
During fire season the public is advised to use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity.
If breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
People with asthma or chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan and pay attention to local air quality reports as air quality may be poor even though smoke may not be visible.
Meanwhile in the Southeast region there are only two fires of concern — Skimmer Horn Mountain near Creston and the newest blaze, Brewer Creek near Invermere.
Skimmer Horn Mountain, burning for the past two weeks, has grown to an estimated 56 hectares but is contained as of Monday.
Thirty-two firefighters on the ground have been battling the steep, difficult terrain. Three helicopters have aided the crew.
Brewer Creek, 10 kilometers west of Fairmount Hot Springs and South of Invermere, was discovered Monday.
Lightning is believed the cause.
The fire is not of concern to any communities, but can be seen from Highway 93.
Twenty-two firefighters have been dispatched to the fire along with three helicopters and four pieces of heavy equipment.
Shaughnessy said there has been a report of a fire in Old Springer Creek area. An initial attack crew has been dispatched.
Currently the fire rating in the Southeast region is high with a few pockets of extreme.
Shaughnessy said luck experienced in the region could change as showers and a 70 per cent risk of thunderstorms is in the Environment Canada forecast for Tuesday.
Comments