The Island Pond wildfire is now 75% contained reported the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) this morning.

The 11-day old wildfire is now listed as 1,073 hectares in scale, with 82 firefighters, one helicopter and eight pieces of heavy equipment continuing the fight on the fire 12 km south of Canal Flats, which was ignited when a tree struck a power line.

“Fire suppression efforts will be supported by helicopters and heavy equipment today. Crews are making good progress on the south flank. A successful burn-off operation took place along the east flank. Water delivery continues around the fire perimeter. The public can expect to see increased smoke from this fire. No significant change overnight,” BCWS reported.

An evacuation alert has been issued by the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) for the Island Pond, Sheep Creek and Premier Lake Provincial Park areas. For information regarding this evacuation alert, please visit: https://www.rdek.bc.ca or call 250-426-2188.

A little over 50 km to the northeast, the White River fire has now reached 1,550 ha.
“Crews are assessing the fire today and preparing for potential burn-off operations. Burn-off operations will occur when the weather permits,” BCWS stated.

This fire is not currently affecting any communities or structures.

Aside from a new lightning-caused spot fire near it yesterday, the status quo remains with the Verdant Creek wildfire in Kootenay National Park and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. The fire remains at about 13,500 ha.

Efforts are being made to keep the fire away from Highway 93, which is open for the time being. Check with DriveBC for updates on the status of the park highway.

BCWS is also reporting a new lightning-started spot fire on the mid-reach of Mount Tegart about 16 km southeast of Windermere.

And another new lightning-caused spot fire above the upper reach of Maus Creek Road, east of Fort Steele.

As for a couple of bigger fires near Cranbrook, by Moyie Lake, progress is being made.

The Moyie Mountain fire is now being called ‘under control,’ the RDEK reported earlier today. There are eight personnel, three pieces of heavy equipment working on it, with the fire still estimated at four hectares in size.

In Moyie, the Lamb Creek fire has five personnel and four pieces of heavy equipment on it currently. It is still estimated at five hectares

The two fire starts from yesterday in the Elkford area are well in hand. There are no threats to communities or structures, the RDEK noted.

The Elk River fire by the Highway 93 Elk River bridge is now 100% contained and under control. It is in mop up stage with Baynes Lake Fire Department assisting.

Please consult the BCWC Active Wildfires website for updates on the 16 wildfires burning in the East Kootenay.

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