Smoke from forest fires burning in Washington and California is drifting into Nelson and obscuring the horizon, but it’s not a cause for concern according to the Southeast Fire Centre.
“The smoke will remain there until the wind shifts,” said fire information officer Fanny Bernard, who said they received a number of calls and complaints.
“With temperatures going back up and lower humidity these fires are becoming reactivated. They find a bit of fuel and go for a little burn, which produces the smoke we’re seeing.”
And though there are some fires still burning in B.C., including a 200-hectare fire in the St. Mary’s alpine area, that smoke isn’t being funnelled in our direction.
"Provincial government ecologists have determined that fire could help increase biodiversity at the five sites, so those particular fires are being allowed to burn as "modified response" fires under the supervision of BC Wildfire Service personnel," reads a press release.
Bernard encouraged residents to check for updates at bcwildfire.ca. The website feature real-time radar imaging of the smoke.