Updated Story: July 8, 7 p.m.
The Hope Wildfire is currently 15 kms south of the border. BC Wildfire Service continues to monitor & share air resources. Current weather forecasts predict a shift in wind direction tonight that will keep the fire away from the border.
A good way to ‘see’ where the smoke is coming from and what the smoke forecast is predicted to be is on: www.firesmoke.ca.
It can be quite surprising when you see how far smoke can travel.
Updated Story: July 8, 4:05 p.m.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has activated its emergency operations centre to a level 1 to monitor the wildfire burning approximately 19 kms south of the US/Canada border.
Currently, there is no threat to RDKB residents. Smoke from the fire is visible in the Lower Columbia communities and Christina Lake.
The BC Wildfire Service is sending air tankers and US air support is en route to the fire.
“We are activating out of an abundance of caution and to continue to monitor the fire,” said Mark Stephens, EOC Director for the RDKB.
“With wildfire season here, we encourage residents to plan for emergencies, such as create Grab and Go kits.”
Residents are also reminded to sign up for the RDKB’s free emergency alert system and to plan for an emergency. Visit here for more info https://emergency.rdkb.com/
Stay Updated
Check the RDKB’s emergency management website and @RDKB_Emergency Twitter Feed for reliable updates: https://emergency.rdkb.com/
Monitor the BC Wildfire Service website for wildfire maps: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map
Make sure your journey is not affected by highway closures: https://www.drivebc.ca/
Original Story: July 8, 3:39 p.m.
Smoke from a wildfire burning 12 kms south of the US/Canada border near North Point is bringing smoke and ash into the Kootenays this afternoon.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary says there is currently no threat to residents and the situation is being monitored alongside the BC Wildfire Services.
We will have more information as it comes in.
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