BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) continues to lay into the Island Pond Wildfire, located 16.5 km south of Canal Flats, which has forced an evacuation order and alert in the area northwest of Premiere Lake.

Discovered July 20, the out-of-control, lightning-caused fire is now an estimated 44 hectares.

There are currently two Initial Attack and two Unit Crews responding to this wildfire. Heavy equipment objectives are complete but remain on site should they be required.

“Airtankers have completed objectives on this fire, though they will return if objectives require.  Structure protection was completed on areas of potential concern July 20. No significant growth was recorded,” BCWS reported today.

“This fire is burning adjacent to Highway 93/95, and people in vehicles are slowing down or stopping on the road, which is causing an unsafe situation for both public and responders. The public is urged to keep moving through the area and avoid impacting traffic. We are grateful for the public’s understanding and thank you for your continued support,” BC Wildfire Service stated.

The largest fire burning in the region is the Mt. Morro Wildfire, discovered July 17 in Top of the World Provincial Park. The park is now closed to the public.

The fire is now about 1,732 ha

“This fire originated at high elevation on Mount Morro, in extremely steep terrain that is inaccessible to crews. It is also displaying rank 4 fire behaviour that is not safe for crews to work on directly.  This fire is classified as a modified response. Wildfire Officers and an initial attack crew have worked with BC Parks to protect park values,” BCWS said.

“While this wildfire has experienced significant growth since detection, it has not spread outside of the provincial park at this time. As hot, dry conditions continue growth is anticipated.”

The three wildfires burning in a reverse triangle about 25 km north of Kimberley remain out-of-control.

The largest of the three is at Bradford Creek, now an estimated 29.3 ha.

There is a 3.5 ha fire at Lost Dog North and a 1.5 ha fire at Mt. McMillan. All three fires were discovered July 20 and were caused by lightning.

A sixth fire burning out-of-control is a small .009 ha fire at Tangle Creek, between Cross River and Kootenay River, east of Radium Hot Springs and about 2.5 km outside Kootenay National Park’s southeastern border.

The Lost Dog wildfire discovered July 19 about two km east of Elkford at Lost Lake is today under control at .5 ha.

Lead image: The Island Pond Wildfire, located 16.5 km south of Canal Flats. BC Wildfire Service photo

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