The battle continues today on the Connell Ridge wildfire, approximately 15 km south of Cranbrook.

Discovered Monday, August 1, the lightning-caused fire is today 1,143.1 hectares, BC Wildfire Service reported.

There was approximately 200 ha of growth along the north and northeast flank of the fire yesterday.

Less aggressive fire behaviour was observed yesterday and today because of cooler temperatures. Fire behaviour is expected to increase as temperatures rise over the weekend.

The fire is continuing to burn in high elevation and pockets of rank three was observed, BC Wildfire Service reported.

For more information on fire rank: Read more.

• The north and northeast section of the fire is burning in steep and inoperable terrain.
  • Machine guard is being constructed from the southeast corner to the southwest corner to establish a containment line.
  • Crews are working to determine the most suitable location for containment lines on the east flank and northwest.
  • A Structure Protection Specialist is assessing potential values at risk and develop strategies for structure protection.
  • An incident management team has taken over this incident.

There are 66 firefighters, five helicopters and 13 pieces of heavy equipment on the fire today.

There are currently three unit crews, two initial attack crews, a Structure Protection Specialist and an Incident Management Team and other operational and support staff supporting the response.

An Evacuation Alert has been issued by the Regional District of East Kootenay in the vicinity of this fire. More information is available online: Click Here.

An Area Restriction is in effect for this incident in order to protect the public in areas where ongoing fire suppression activities are taking place. Full information including a map of the affected area is available: Click Here.

For more information of structure protection: Read more

For more information on incident management teams: Read more.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

---

Article Share

---