The Southeast Fire Centre is warning Fernie residents about a large amount of smoke forming in the area as a result of proactive burning starting Monday August 11.
The Southeast Fire Centre is responding to a lightning-caused wildfire eight kilometers north of Fisher Peak. The wildfire is located in a very steep and dangerous terrain and the response team hopes to limit the potential growth and direction of the fire with this burn-off, a Southeast Fire Centre press release said.
Their objective is to guide the fire toward control lines at the valley bottom and contain the fire in one specific area.
The heavy smoke resulting from this controlled burn-off is likely to reach the communities of Cranbrook, Elkford, Sparwood, Fort Steels, Fernie and Kimberley.
With hot and dry conditions forecast through next week and the potential for thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Southeast Fire Centre is urging the public be extra cautious in the backcountry, and reminding locals and visitors that all person-caused fires are preventable.
To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellular telephone.