East Kootenay wildfire update

Two wildfires west of Kimberley causing an evacuation alert for the City of Kimberley and St. Mary Lake areas today (July 21) remain out-of-control and are listed as ‘Wildfires of Note’ by BC Wildfire Service (BCWS).

The Matthew Creek wildfire is now an estimated 567 hectares.

“Fire activity remained subdued overnight and early morning period, no substantial growth overnight. With the weather forecast to be similar to yesterday, we expect that fire activity will pick up in the afternoon today during the warmest and driest part of the day,” BCWS added.

The Tower Creek 2 wildfire is an estimated 250 ha.

“Work is underway using indirect attack strategies. This is where crews and resources establish control lines away from the fire’s edge rather than working directly on the perimeter. Natural barriers, roads, trails, fuel breaks, or constructed guard may be used to help contain the fire,” BCWS said.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) and City of Kimberley issued an Evacuation Alert on July 19 as a result of these two fires.

B.C. has four wildfires of note among the roughly 100 being actioned by BCWS.

Elsewhere in the region

The Calamity Creek wildfire, northwest of the Matthew Creek fire, remains out-of-control at 70 ha.

The Bootleg Mountain wildfire (Fire Number N11027), also discovered July 18, is out-of-control at 10 ha. It is also north of the Matthew Creek fire.

There is one new fire from July 20 being reported by BCWS today, located in Jumbo Valley, south of Commander Glacier.

Fire Number N21071, lightning caused, is an estimated .04 ha and out-of-control.

Watch Southeast Fire Centre’s operational update regarding wildfires N1020, N10944 and N10947 from July 20.

BC Wildfire Service photos

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