NELSON, B.C. – As temperatures reach 37 degrees with little to no clouds, the fire danger rating in the region sits at mainly moderate to high – with some pockets classified as “extreme” risk, the Southeast Fire Centre says.

The warning comes as a 900-hectare wildfire rages in the South Okanagan.
“We can’t stress enough that the public is our first line of defense”, spokesperson Ashlene Aktarian told MyNelsonNow.com, adding that both observations from the public as well as safe fire practices are essential right now.

The following classifications are used to categorize fire risk in the region:

Low: Fires may start easily and spread quickly but there will be minimal involvement of deeper fuel layers or larger fuels.

Moderate: Forest fuels are drying and there is an increased risk of surface fires starting. Carry out any forest activities with caution.

High: Forest fuels are very dry and the fire risk is serious. New fires may start easily, burn vigorously, and challenge fire suppression efforts. Extreme caution must be used in any forest activities. Open burning and industrial activities may be restricted.

Extreme: Extremely dry forest fuels and the fire risk is very serious. New fires will start easily, spread rapidly, and challenge fire suppression efforts. General forest activities may be restricted, including open burning, industrial activities, and campfires.

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