Nelson Fire Rescue

32 calls in one week- and behind every call is a person who needed help. Here's a look at the types of incidents our firefighters responded to August 28th to September 3rd.

Fire Calls: 4
First Responder Calls: 25
Haz Mat: 1
Public Safety: 1

A special thank you to our firefighters and support teams who continue to answer the call and server our community with dedication and professionalism.🚒

📢𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐅 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐅𝐑𝐒 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦! 📢
Meet James 👋
James joined NFRS as an auxiliary in 2018, looking for a way to get more involved in the community. He was soon hooked by the teamwork, continuous training and variety that comes with the job.
What he enjoys most: Being part of an amazing crew and giving back to the community.
Outside the fire hall, James enjoys biking, hockey, hiking, and spending time outdoors with his wife and their dog. 🌲James recently completed the North Coast Trail- six days of mud, beaches, forests and beautiful scenery!
Thanks for all you do, James! 🚒

🔥 Wildfire preparedness starts at home.
Did you know Nelson Fire & Rescue offers free FireSmart home assessments?

A FireSmart representative will walk around your property with you and identify practical, affordable ways to reduce wildfire risk around your home.

Small actions today can make a big difference during wildfire season.
☎️To book your free assessment, contact Nelson FireSmart at: 250-352- 8116.

⏱️ Got five minutes?
Take a quick walk around your home and look for:
✅ Pine needles in gutters
✅ Leaves under decks
✅ Firewood stored against the house
✅ Overgrown shrubs near windows
✅ Combustible materials within 1.5 metres of your home

These simple FireSmart actions can help reduce wildfire risk around your property.

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.