Smoky skies in the British Columbia Interior are the result of several large forest fires, including the Entiako Lake fire in the northeast corner of Tweedsmuir Park.
The smoke from these fires has drifted down the coast to Bella Coola, east to Prince George and as far south as Kamloops.
The Entiako Lake fire is currently estimated at 6,120 hectares. It is a "modified response" fire, which means that the fire is being allowed to burn and expand in some areas to help restore ecosystems where no resources are at risk.
However, the Wildfire Management Branch is taking care to protect any nearby values. Fire crews have safeguarded several cabins by setting up structure protection units (industrial sprinklers) and are currently working to stop the fire's spread toward the east. They have widened an existing road and will be burning off forest fuels between the road and the main fire to block its advance.
Firefighting crews, aircraft and heavy equipment will be on site to ensure the fire does not spread past the fireguards that crews have established.