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Elevated fire behaviour due to heat wave
The Horsethief Creek/Bruce Mountain Wildfire burning seven kilometres north of Panorama Mountain Resort and 10 kilometres west of Invermere, now burning out-of-control for three weeks, is today an estimated 3,918.5 hectares.
“With the higher temperatures, lower humidity and wind yesterday we experienced elevated fire behaviour,” BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reported today (August 16).
“Increased fire activity was observed on the Law drainage inside the current fire perimeter (Horsethief Creek fire) yesterday. This activity was due to the weather conditions and not planned ignitions. As conditions were not suitable yesterday, the decision was made to postpone any planned ignitions until more favourable weather arrives.
“Staff were in the air monitoring fire behaviour on both the Law and Neave drainage yesterday. The fire activity in the Law drainage was burning towards rock and a strong guard. This was being monitored closely and there were several water bombing aircraft available as required. These machines were working fire edges that were putting pressure on guards on the Mia and Yearling fires.
Firefighters assisted by heavy equipment and aviation were able to hold fire inside guards on all Horsethief Complex fires yesterday, BCWS said.
The hot and dry trend continues today with a maximum temperature of 33 and minimum humidity of 17%. Winds will be calmer today than Tuesday and smoke may linger in the area.
Tonight will be clear and stable with light downslope/down valley winds before another hot and dry day Thursday.
There are 61 firefighting personnel responding to this fire along with 12 helicopters shared between the Horsethief complex, which includes the Horsethief Creek, Yearling Creek (now 2,946.6 ha) and Mia Creek (now 3,473.4 ha) wildfires.
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has downgraded the evacuation ORDER to an evacuation ALERT.
The BC Wildfire Service has implemented an Area Restriction Order for the vicinity of the Horsethief Creek wildfire. This Area Restriction reflects the need to protect the public in areas where fire suppression activities are taking place. This restriction is currently in effect and will remain in effect until 12 p.m. (PDT) on October 15, or until rescinded.
e-KNOW file photo
e-KNOW
