Show goes on: Roots and Blues Fest underway, despite fires in region

The Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival is still going ahead, despite the fires and smoke in the region.

Organizers say while some nearby communities are on evacuation orders or alerts, the host city, Salmon Arm, is not under any direct wildfire threat.

“However, the fire danger rating remains high. Stay safe on your way to Salmon Arm this weekend, do your part to mitigate the wildfire risk and send your love and support to the countless firefighters and emergency responders working to contain fires near and far,” a posting on the festival’s Facebook page said.

While people are in the area for the event, they are asked to “try their best to avoid driving on the roads” in the North Shuswap area to reduce the congestion for the fire response crews