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Doctor Creek blaze swells to 4,594 ha
BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) this morning (August 26) reported the Doctor Creek wildfire, 25 km southwest of Canal Flats, has ballooned to about 4,594 hectares
Being the only active fire in the East Kootenay, even more resources have been added to fight the fire today, with 159 firefighters, seven helicopters and nine pieces of heavy equipment in the battle.
“Ground crews continue to work with the support of heavy equipment and aviation resources today. An additional 14 personnel arrived yesterday, and work continues on the construction of control lines north and south of Doctor Creek with support from small planned ignitions operations. They will be supported by seven helicopters that bucket water onto areas of increased fire activity as well as a water tender. Suppression efforts are currently concentrated on the east flank of the fire and additional planning and establishment of contingency lines is underway,” BCWS said.
“The fire grew significantly during the elevated winds on August 24, and efforts were made yesterday to collect an up-to-date perimeter map and area estimate. The fire is now an estimated total of 4,594 hectares. Growth was seen predominantly on the northwest and southeast flanks. No structures are currently threatened. Structure protection systems are in use near the fire as a precautionary measure. Control lines on the northeast flank held yesterday and crews continue to reinforce these lines today.
“Weather forecasts for the Doctor Creek wildfire call for mainly sunny skies with above average temperatures Wednesday. A few clouds above ridgetop elevations are expected on Thursday, bringing the potential for a slight downturn in temperatures but no precipitation. Temperatures are forecast to rebound to above average on Friday. These conditions should help crews make progress on containment objectives before winds increase on Friday night or Saturday.”
The Regional District of East Kootenay evacuation order for the Findlay Creek drainage and area remains in effect.
In order to support the response efforts and to protect the safety of the public and firefighting personnel, an area restriction is in effect for the Doctor Creek wildfire, which was discovered August 18 following a lightning strike.
The Doctor Creek fire remains the largest in British Columbia.
Lead image: The Doctor Creek wildfire as of August 25. BCWS photo
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