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Status quo with regional wildfires
Another day, more burning, more smoke and thanks to no rain, an ever-increasing risk of wildfire elsewhere.
The states of three big fires burning in the East Kootenay have not changed noticeably overnight, aside from the White River fire now surpassing the Island Pond fire in size, at an estimated 1,226 hectares. Island Pond, still listed by BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) as 25% contained, sits at about 1,100 ha.
Discovered Sunday, July 30, the Island Pond fire, 12 km south of Canal Flats, now has 76 firefighters on scene, with three helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment working.
“Fire suppression efforts will be supported by helicopters, air tankers, skimmers and heavy equipment today. Crews are making good progress on the south flank,” BCWS reported earlier today (August 4).
An Evacuation Alert remains in effect, as issued by the Regional District of East Kootenay, for the Sheep Creek area, including Premier Lake Provincial Park.
For information regarding this evacuation alert or call 250-426-2188.
The White River fire, discovered July 29, is still not contained.
This fire, 40 km east of Fairmont Hot Springs, is not currently affecting any communities or structures.
The fires are producing large amounts of smoke that is visible in the region, as well as in Alberta.
Public access to the White-Middle Fork Forest Service Road is now prohibited at the 45.5 kilometre point. The Lands Manager of the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District ordered the road closure due to concerns about public safety.
BCWS is providing zero details on its ‘wildfire status’ page on its website as to resources being spent on the White River fire.
The Verdant Creek fire is still covering about 11,000 ha (24,200 acres) of forest in Kootenay National Park and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. Heavy smoke remains in the park, creating poor visibility on Highway 93 between Castle Junction in Banff National Park to Radium Hot Springs, with periodic closures of the highway.
As of 3:30 p.m. on August 4, the highway is again closed. Please monitor DriveBC for updates on highway conditions.
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