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Evacuation alert lifted for Mission/ Fort Steele
The evacuation alert has been lifted for the Mission / Fort Steele area, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) announced this morning.
The alert had been in place since September 1 related to the St. Mary River fire. While crews continue to action that fire, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has recommended it is now safe to lift the alert. Residents are reminded to stay vigilant as conditions may change.
Major fires update
Lamb Creek Fire
As of this morning there are 110 personnel on site today with 21 pieces of heavy equipment, along with four helicopters and air tankers when required. The fire is now at 1,798 ha.
They will be doing planned hand ignitions on the eastern flank of the fire today and smoke will be visible from the highway and surrounding communities. This planned ignition will be supported by aircraft and ground crews. Air tankers and helicopters may be used throughout the day to cool the fire, allowing ground crews and heavy equipment to continue to reinforce guard lines. The evacuation order remains in effect.
The RDEK has issued Evacuation Orders for the Moyie Lake area. For more information call the RDEK at 250 426-2188 or visit www.rdek.bc.ca.
White River Complex fire
The fire is estimated at 22,250 ha. An Incident Management Team has assumed control of the fire and today there are 105 firefighters on the fire, six pieces of heavy equipment and four helicopters. The helicopters will be bucketing along the southern flank today and will be reassigned to other areas as necessary. Heavy equipment will also be working in the southern end of the fire to provide safe access for crews. In the vicinity of Whiteswan Lake, structure protection units are in place as a precautionary measure.
Kenow fire
The Kenow fire has moved from southeastern B.C. into Waterton Lakes National Park in southwestern Alberta. The fire is now at an estimated 20,000 ha with the bulk of it now in Alberta, including near the Waterton townsite. There are no reports of any town buildings being damaged or destroyed.
“At this time, the majority of the Waterton townsite appears to be intact. Extensive fire protection measures were effective in safeguarding the majority of infrastructure and facilities within the community and at the Prince of Wales hotel,” Parks Canada said in a news release this morning (Sept. 12).
Extreme fire behaviour today has prompted an additional Evacuation Orders for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek and Cardston County declared a state of emergency early this morning. People in the county are being evacuated in all areas between Waterton Lakes National Park and Range Road 281 (Highway 800), and from the U.S border north to Township Road 40.
All evacuees from the M.D. of Pincher Creek are advised to check in at the command centre set up at Vertical Church at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. or can check in remotely by calling 403-904-8016.
In Cardston County, evacuees are being directed to the Civic Centre at 67 3rd Avenue West in the Town of Cardston, or to call them at 403-653-3366.
Quinn Creek fire
This 6,576 ha fire originated in the Quinn Creek area, and winds have moved it into the Bull River drainage. The fire has been active on the northern side within the Bull River drainage, with smoke and ash visible in Elkford and Sparwood. The fire has not moved out of the Bull River drainage. Air tankers and helicopters have established a retardant line on the ridge on the east of the drainage to prevent further movement eastward. The fire has not challenged this retardant line at this time. Crews are working to establish control lines on the southern edge of this fire. It is not currently threatening any communities.
As of this morning there are 22 firefighters on scene with two helicopters and five pieces of heavy equipment.
Linklater Creek fire
Located 18 kilometres southwest of Newgate (65 kilometres southeast of Cranbrook), this lightning-caused fire is now at 927 ha in B.C., with the majority of the blaze in Montana.
“There has been minimal growth on the Canadian portion of this fire. This large U.S. fire has broached the border three times, and each portion is being tight-lined and is mopped up,” BCWS reported this morning.
A total of 34 firefighters are on scene today, with a helicopter and five pieces of heavy equipment.
Check BC Wildfire Service’s Active Wildfires website for more information.
Lead image: Smoke rises to the west of Elkford from the Quinn Creek and White River Complex fires. Elkford Fire Rescue photo
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