Following an evening with thunder, lightning and rain, there are only two out-of-control wildfires in the East Kootenay.

The biggest is in Jumbo Creek, west of Invermere and another smaller fire is in Moose Creek, southeast of Golden.

“The Jumbo Creek wildfire (N21071) is a lightning-caused wildfire burning in challenging terrain, where direct suppression activities would provide limited operational benefit while exposing firefighters to unnecessary risk. This incident is not threatening structures or critical infrastructure at this time. As temperatures rise throughout the day, more smoke may be visible as fire activity naturally increases with daytime heating,” BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reported.

This wildfire continues to be regularly monitored by frequent flights, and a remote camera has been installed.

“This fire is also burning within a fire-dependent ecosystem where naturally occurring wildfire provides ecological benefits, as such, the BC Wildfire Service is using a modified response strategy for this incident. This wildfire is being regularly monitored and should it move into an area that is a threat to identified values, response objectives and tactics will be adjusted accordingly,” BCWS said.

An area restriction is in place in the Jumbo Creek area. Review the information bulletin for a map of the affected area and an itemized list of the geographic boundaries of the restriction.

This wildfire is being managed using a combination of techniques with the goal to minimize damage while maximizing ecological benefits from the fire. Suppression or values protection may occur in areas of an otherwise beneficial fire.

The Moose Creek wildfire (N41514) discovered on August 9 is out of-control at 2.503 ha. The fire is close to Yoho National Park boundary and about 15 km northeast of Harrogate.

All other wildfires in the region are either held or under control.

Lead image: Jumbo Creek wildfire (N21071). BC Wildfire Service file photo

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