A wildfire has broken out on the west shore of Lower Arrow Lake, a few kilometres above Hugh L. Keenleyside Dam near Castlegar and near the Western Rail Trail.
City of Castlegar Fire Chief Gerry Rempel was at the dam checking into the reports shortly after 7 p.m.
"It's outside city limits," said Rempel.
Asked if the area of the fire was populated, Rempel said he didn't think so and added, "There are a lot of trees there, though."
A helicopter was seen over the fire within minutes of the conversation with Rempel.
Fire information officer Jordan Turner, with the Southeast Fire Centre, was contacted by telephone and said the fire is being bucketed by a helicopter and an initial three-person attack crew is en route.
A helicopter pilot reported to Turner that the fire is estimated at just over one hectare.
The Castlegar News will provide updates as soon as we have them.