Nelson Fire Rescue

Information Update: Smoke Visible from Nelson

The smoke seen from Nelson this evening is coming from the Ezra Creek wildfire, located near Tarrys/Thrums, northeast of Castlegar.

The fire was discovered Tuesday Aug 25th and is believed to have been caused by lightning. BC Wildfire Service currently lists the fire as out of control, and fire behaviour increased today due to wind. BC Wildfire Service is actively responding with aerial and ground resources. 

At this time, the fire is not threatening structures or communities. The smoke is visible from a considerable distance, including from Nelson, due to the fire’s location and current conditions.

Residents in the Nelson area may notice increased smoke or haze this evening. Please continue to monitor official BC Wildfire Service and Regional District of Central Kootenay pages for updates.

BC Wildfire Map: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map

RDCK Wildfire Update: https://www.rdck.ca/wildfire-information-bulletin-august-26-2026/

🏡 Wildfire preparedness is a community effort.
When neighbours work together to reduce wildfire risk, entire neighbourhoods become more resilient. Talk with your neighbours about FireSmart practices, share resources, and help build a safer community for everyone.

Prepared homes create prepared neighbourhoods.

Ready to answer the call?📢 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 & 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 is looking for 𝐀𝐮𝐱𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 to join our team! This paid volunteer opportunity is a chance to:
🚒Support your community
💪Build valuable skills and experience
🎓Receive required training
🤝Work alongside a dedicated emergency response team

We're looking for reliable, physically fit, community-minded people who can work well under pressure and are ready to make a difference.
👉𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧.𝐜𝐚/𝐣𝐨𝐛𝐬

🔥 Most homes lost during wildfires are ignited by embers, not flames.
Embers can travel kilometres ahead of a wildfire and land in roofs, gutters, decks, and yards.
Cleaning gutters, screening vents, and removing combustible materials near your home are simple FireSmart actions that can help protect your property.

Nelson Fire & Rescue crews are responding to an oil spill on Front Street, between Cedar and Poplar Streets. YRB has been contacted to begin cleanup in the area. Please use alternate routes where possible while work is completed.

Wondering what the sirens were for this week? Here is a quick look at our latest dispatch numbers for August 7th to the 13th....

28 Calls to Service

Fire: 11
First Responder: 12
MVI: 1
Rescue: 1
HazMat: 1
Fire Investigation: 1
Public Safety: 1

The wildfire smoke may be clearing, but the dry conditions remain. Please remember there is a complete fire ban and forest use restrictions are in effect for our Southeast Fire area. Visit BC Wildfire Service for more information. Have a safe weekend.

Fuel, focus, and local support! Huge thanks to everyone who stepped up during the recent structure fire. The food and hydration drop-offs kept the crews energy up, and your kind words fueled them further. We also appreciate your cooperation in giving our firefighters the space they needed to work.
Proud to be your neighbors, NFRS.

We are still on-scene and the crews are currently in overhaul mode checking for hidden hotspots. There is no risk to the city or surrounding exposures. A formal media release will be issued as soon as details are finalized.

Nelson Fire & Rescue is currently on-scene responding to an active fire. Emergency vehicles need clear, unobstructed access to the area - please choose alternate routes and avoid crowding the area. Thank you for your cooperation.

Given the scope and scale of wildfires currently burning in B.C., and to further protect public safety, recreational off-road vehicle use will be prohibited on Crown land in the Kamloops and Southeast Fire Centres, as well as parts of the Cariboo and Coastal Fire Centres. This prohibition is effective immediately, as of 12 p.m. (noon) on August 10, 2026.

Full information for current prohibitions and restrictions is provided here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions