Thick layers of smoke blanketing the region is hampering BC Wildfire crews fighting the Talbott Creek fire near Winlaw in the Slocan Valley. BC Wildfire Service said Saturday afternoon (September 12), a thick layer of smoke started to blanket the fire area and as a result of poor visibility, aviation resources were unable to fly as late into the day as they have on previous days. BC Wildfire Service said helicopters fighting the blazes will resume flying when it is safe to do so, but may have to remain grounded for 24 to 48 hours. “With responder safety as the top priority and because many areas of the fire are accessible only by air, fire response options are now limited until the smoke clears,” BC Wildfire Service said.