Submitted by Suzanne Endsley

BLM Public Affairs Specialist

TONASKET – Wildfire season has arrived early this year as firefighters from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Spokane District are working together with Washington DNR and British Columbia Fire to monitor and actively manage a small wildfire along the United States-Canadian border.

The Incident #63 Fire, which was previously referred to as “Action 64”, started in late April, burning approximately 260 acres in Canada. It has slowly moved over to the U.S. side of the border and is currently burning on 1 0 acres of BLM-managed lands located in the Chopaka Wilderness Study Area (WSA). The fire is located in very rugged, remote and inaccessible terrain which makes it difficult for firefighters to access. Firefighters are continuously monitoring the fire and developing options for safe operational engagement.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month and this early season wildfire is a reminder to us all to consider actions we can take to prevent wildfires or be better prepared when they occur. The Fire Adapted Communities website is just one of many resources available with helpful tips: http://www.fireadapted.org.

Information about the incident, including an interactive map, is online at www.bcwildfire.ca.

Additional updates regarding Incident #63 will also be posted on the Spokane District webpage at: http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/spokane/index.php.