US Fires Causing Smoke

Courtesy - BC Forest Service

Two major wildfires in Washington State, southwest of Oliver and Osoyoos, are sending smoke into the lower Okanagan, raising concerns among residents as to the origin of the smoke.

The US Forest Service and other agencies are battling two large wildfires in the state of Washington. These fires, known as the Spur Peak and Tripod fires, continue to challenge over 1700 fire fighters as they burn in dead Lodgepole pine and spruce forests.

Mark Peppin, Fire Information Officer for the Tripod fire, says that the Spur Peak fire is closest to the Canada / US border and is approximately 25 kilometres south of the border. This fire is currently estimated at 8,400 hectares. The Tripod fire is in the same area as the Spur fire but is currently estimated at 10,500 hectares in size.

BC Forest Service staff say they are in communication with US fire officials daily and will continue to keep the public updated on the status of these two fires over the next few days.