CASTLEGAR – The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond to the Poplar Creek wildfire (N71253). This wildfire is estimated to be 664 hectares and is located in the Poplar Creek area, approximately 20 km northwest of Meadow Creek.

Effective Friday, September 4, 2026, at 12 p.m. (noon) PT, the area restriction issued for the Poplar Creek area is rescinded. Fire behaviour and activity has decreased, and firefighting personnel no longer need to restrict public access to the area.

Before entering any area affected by a wildfire, people should be aware that significant safety hazards may be present. Fire-damaged trees may be unstable and could fall down. Ash pits can be hard to detect and can remain hot long after the flames have died down.

The BC Wildfire Service reminds members of the public that the Poplar Creek wildfire (N71253) is an active worksite, and they should always exercise caution while travelling in the area. Although the area restriction has been rescinded, officials still have the authority under the Wildfire Act and its regulations to order anyone to leave the area.

Smoke may still be seen within the fire’s perimeter over the coming weeks. Smoke appearing from well within the fire perimeter and burned material is common. However, smoke that rises from green, unburned fuel or from outside a fire’s perimeter should be reported immediately.

Road closures and area restrictions are subject to change depending on fire activity. For the most current information please visit the fire prohibitions and restrictions section of the BC Wildfire Service website for the Southeast Fire Centre.

The Southeast Fire Centre spans from the Mica Dam in the north to the U.S. border in the south, and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west to the Alberta border in the east. The regional office is based in Castlegar, B.C.

Report a wildfire

The Southeast Fire Centre would like to thank the public for its continuing help in preventing wildfires.

You can report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation by:

• Dialing *5555 on a cell phone
• Calling 1 800 663-5555 toll-free
• Reporting through the BC Wildfire App Report a fire function
  • Reporting through the app lets you upload images and can be used without service.

Stay up to date with the latest wildfire news on:

• BCWildfire.ca
• BC Wildfire Map
• BC Wildfire App: Apple or Android
• Facebook and Instagram

Contact:

Fire Information Team
BC Wildfire Service
Southeast Fire Centre
250 318-7715

Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect