Where there’s smoke there’s fire.
And two lightning-caused fires in the West Kootenay have sent smoke across the region and into the communities of Nelson and Castlegar, the Southeast Fire Centre reported Monday.
Two forest fires started Sunday are generating smoke and fire suppression activity in the Five-Mile Creek area northeast of Nelson, and the Syringa Creek area northeast of Castlegar.
Both these fires were discovered Aug. 12 at around 1:30 p.m. and are suspected to have been caused by lightning. The two-hectare fire burning in Five Mile Creek is located in a watershed and fire officials are taking precautions to protect the area.
The fire is not threatening any Nelson neighbourhoods, homes or structures.
A three-person initial attack crew, three helicopters and airtankers are onsite.
The 0.2-hectare fire is in the area above Syringa also is not threatening any structures or homes. Airtankers are responding and a three-person initial attack crew and three helicopters are on the scene.
Several other spot-sized fires (less than one hectare) are burning as a result of thunderstorms within the fire centre during the past week. Most of these fires are located in remote areas and are not affecting the nearby communities.
Since April 1, the Southeast Fire Centre has responded to 87 wildfires, 32 of which were caused by people.