Two new blazes, one in Five Mile Creek area, spark up as fire season kicks into high gear
By Nelson Daily Staff
The recent string of hot weather, couple by lightning in the area, has fire crews at the Southeast Fire Centre on red alert.
As of Sunday three fires are currently burning in the Kootenays, including two new blazed reported Sunday.
The new fires are in Five Mile Creek northeast of Nelson and above Syringa Creek outside Castlegar.
Lighting is ruled the cause of fires of both new fires.
Information on the Southeast Fire Centre website said the Five Mile Creek fire is not threatening any communities or structures but is generating smoke and fire suppression activity that is visible to local communities.
The fire is burning in a watershed and fire officials are taking precautions to keep the area protected.
The Five Mile Creek is zero percent contained and is being fought by three firefighters on the ground as well as three helicopters.
Northwest of Castlegar a small crew of ground workers is fighting the blaze above Syringa Creek.
The estimated two-hectare fire is being battled by three firefighters and one helicopter.
Two additional helicopters are en route.
The Syringa Creek fire is not threatening any communities.
In the East Kootenay, a wildfire near Creston on Skimmer Horn Mountain remains only 10 per cent contained.
The fire located east of Lister near the East Kootenay City is located on very steep terrain.
No communities or structures are threatened, but the fire is highly visible from surrounding communities near Creston.
Five helicopters fighting the blaze join thirty-seven firefighters on the ground.
Lightning is the cause of the fire that started on Wednesday (August 8).
The fire danger for most of the region is rated as moderate to high.
The rating should rise as Environment Canada is predicting the hot, dry weather to continue.
Temperature Monday is expected to climb to 33 degrees Celsius.
After dipping to the high 20s Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the thermometer should once again climb to the low 30s Friday and Saturday.
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