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Rain, cooler weather aiding firefighters
Rain and cooler weather are allowing firefighters to gain ground on all the fires in the region.
Here is an update via BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) on fires in the East Kootenay.
Lamb Creek
The fire 2.5 km northwest of Moyie is currently at 2,215 ha and is considered 80% contained and being held. The Incident Management team is still in place with 149 personnel, four pieces of heavy equipment and two helicopters remain on site.
Linklater Creek
Eighteen km southwest of Newgate, the fire on the Canadian side is estimated at 1,285.4 ha. Today there are 34 personnel on site with two pieces of heavy equipment. BCWS reports the fire is being held.
Kenow Mountain
Located in the Flathead Valley west of Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, the fire on the B.C. remains at about 15,448.8 ha. Crews are identifying targets on the northwest side of this fire.
Sixteen firefighters remain on the B.C. side, supported by six helicopters. Crews and resources from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry and Parks Canada are responding to this fire in Waterton, where the fire has been held.
Soowa Mountain
Located in the Flathead Valley 30km west of the Elk River, this fire is now 5,800 ha.
“This fire has been burning along Soowa Mountain, predominately northward, and is now visible to the community of Elko and Highway 3. Structural protection is in place on two cabins not immediately threatened by this fire. This fire is currently not a threat to the community of Elko or to Highway 3,” BCWS reported.
Today there are 30 firefighters, six helicopters and three pieces of heavy equipment on the fire.
“Crews are creating hand and machine control lines. The fire is burning in a remote area and is being closely monitored. Structural protection units have been set up in priority areas. Crews are working to mop up current containment lines,” BCWS noted.
Elder Creek
Located near the Montana border on the east side of the Flathead, this lightning-caused fire on August 31 remains at about 750 ha. No other information is available.
There are three other wildfires burning southeast of Fernie, including the Lodgepole FSR, now at 2,262 ha. Located 25 km east of Elko, there are 32 personnel on site working on mop -up. South of that fire is the 45 ha Cabin Creek fire (no other information available) and BCWS continues to report the Centre Mountain fire, about 38 km southeast of Fernie, is at 270 ha.
Quinn Creek
Located in the Bull River drainage on the east side of Top of the World Provincial Park, this fire, begun by lightning on August 8, is now estimated at 11,763.7 ha.
“Crews are mopping up accessible areas of the fire. This fire has responded to the cooler temperatures and precipitation in the area,” BCWS stated. “This fire is being closely monitored and rehabilitation plans are being made.”
There are 17 firefighters and two pieces of heavy equipment working on the fire.
White River Complex
About 40 km north of the Quinn Creek, the White River Complex fire is now 90% contained and estimated at 26,399 ha. There are 64 firefighters still working on the fire.
“Due to the great efforts of the firefighters and the progress they have made, the amount of personnel and equipment are currently being downsized for the White River fire. The fire camp at Canal Flats will be de-mobbed in the next few days but crews will continue to mop-up, patrol and de-mob equipment,” BCWS reported yesterday, Sept. 20.
“On the western flank in the Colin Creek area, 21 firefighters are mopping up and patrolling the fire’s edge. On the southeast flank, in the vicinity of Koos and Lynx Creeks, crews continue to mop up the fire perimeter. Crews are also working to mop up in the vicinity of the White River and the intersection of the White Grave and White North Forest Service Roads. Crews are working on a ridge south of East Fork Forest Service Road and north east of Barr Creek to mop up this area,” BCWS outlined.
White Creek
Located about 26 km northwest of Kimberley, this fire has shown little growth, remaining at 322 ha and is currently being monitored.
Mount King George
Located near the Alberta border in The Royal Group, BCWS notes the lightning-caused fire, begun August 29, is about 203 ha.
Fraling Creek
Located south of Spillimacheen, to the east of Highway 95, this fire, discovered Sept. 18, is approximately .1 ha in size. The fire is not threatening any structures or communities.
Verdant Creek
The Verdant Creek Wildfire in Kootenay National Park and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is currently being held. Recent cooler temperatures and precipitation allowed the crews working directly on the fire’s edge to make significant progress. Parks Canada Verdant Creek Wildfire Operations are now in the monitoring stage. Click here for more information.
The campfire ban remains in effect and we will make sure we let you know if and when there are changes.
To report a campfire violation or a fire call *5555 on a cellphone or 1-800-663-5555.
Check out BC Wildfire Service for more information.
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