No one was injured in a wildfire west of Nelson on Highway 3A/6 on Wednesday evening.
Nelson Fire Rescue Service said it responded to several 911 calls reporting a wildfire with multiple explosions around 8:15 p.m.
When the first crew arrived, firefighters saw a plume of smoke rising from a forested area above the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks.
A homeless encampment was found fully engulfed in flames. Crews first focused on containing the fire to protect the surrounding forest.
One structure was completely destroyed, but fire officials said the burn area was limited to a seven-by-10-metre section overlooking the railway tracks.
The camp was reportedly unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Crews were expected to return to the site Thursday to complete their investigation.
Five firefighters responded with two engines, supported by four wildland firefighters with the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Nelson Fire Rescue reminded the public that open burning is prohibited within city limits, except during burn periods officially authorized by the fire chief.
Campfires may be permitted in some areas, but officials warned against leaving flames unattended, especially in forested locations.
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