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Update on fires in the East Kootenay
The current hot, dry and windy conditions have caused an increase in fire behaviour for some modified response fires burning in the East Kootenay.
Due to the location of these fires, some of them are being monitored only or limited sections of the fires are being responded to where it is safe and effective to do so.
This type of fire suppression strategy is called “Modified Response” and involves BC Wildfire Service personnel monitoring a fire’s activity to ensure it remains within a specific parameter and meets land management guidelines.
Elder Creek wildfire
Located on the U.S. border, approximately 64 kilometres from Baynes Lake. This fire is currently estimated to be 750 hectares in size. Crews continue to co-ordinate fire suppression efforts with the U.S. This fire is currently not threatening any communities. The cause of this fire is under investigation.
Kenow Mountain wildfire
Located about six kilometres north of the U.S. border; 71 kilometres southeast of Baynes Lake is now burning into the province of Alberta. This lightning caused fire is currently estimated to be 4,420-hectare and is located in high elevation moving in a northeast direction. This fire is currently not threatening any communities. Alberta Forest Service is looking to implement containment lines along the height of land to slow down the fires progression into Alberta.
This fire is being closely monitored by BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) personnel.
Lamb Creek wildfire
Located 2.5 km northwest of Moyie and 18 kilometres southwest of Cranbrook . This lightning caused fire discovered August 28 is now at about 1,400 ha. An evacuation order remains in effect for the Moyie Lake area.
There were 40 firefighters, three helicopters and 14 pieces of heavy equipment working the fire yesterday. Structural protection units have been placed in priority areas.
Linklater Creek (Formally Mount Robinson) wildfire
This lightning-caused fire is 18 Kilometres southwest of Newgate (65 kilometres southeast of Cranbrook) and is currently an estimated 833 ha (on the B.C. side of the border). The total fire size is estimated to be 8,207 ha. The majority of this fire continues to burn in Montana.
BCWS has 19 firefighters, a helicopter and eight pieces of heavy equipment on the fire. The BCWS is constructing guard focusing on the NE side of the fire. Helicopter bucketing will focus on hot spots. Areas are being assessed for structural protection units.
Additional information on this fire.
Expect to see an increase in smoke from this fire during peak temperature times and windy conditions. Smoke is highly visible from Newgate, Lake Koocanusa and surrounding areas. The US Forest Service is currently fighting this fire with air support including airtankers.
Lodgepole FSR wildfire
Located approximately 33 kilometres southeast of Fernie. This lightning caused fire is currently estimated to be 1,751 hectares in size and is not currently threatening any communities. An increase in fire behaviour has made this fire unsafe for crews. This fire is being closely monitored. There is a forest service road closure on the Lodgepole Forest Service Road. However, at this time this area is inaccessible due to the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District backcountry closure.
Soowa Mountain wildfire
Located approximately 20 kilometres east of Baynes Lake. This lightning caused fire is currently estimated to be 530 hectares in size and is not currently threatening any communities. Three BC Wildfire Service personnel worked to establish guard around values as well as set up structural protection units for values in the area. An increase in fire behaviour has made this fire unsafe for crews. This fire is being closely monitored.
St. Mary’s River wildfire
Located 14 km northeast of Cranbrook in the St. Mary’s Reserve, the fire is estimated at 398 ha.
An evacuation ALERT remains in effect. Effective September 1, the Regional District of East Kootenay has issued an evacuation alert for the St Mary River area where it meets the Kootenay River and the surrounding area. For more information on this alert call the RDEK at 250 426-2188 or visit www.rdek.bc.ca.
Minimal fire growth was recorded Sept. 4. Crews were successful in establishing a wet line around the perimeter of the fire.
There are 29 firefighters, four pieces of heavy equipment fighting the fire, which remains under investigation. BCWS says the fire is 76% contained.
Quinn Creek wildfire
Located approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Sparwood near Top of the World Provincial Park. This lightning caused fire is currently estimated to be 2,700-hectare in size and is not currently threatening any communities. Twenty-four BC Wildfire Service personnel set up structural protection units for values in the area. An increase in fire behaviour has made this fire unsafe for crews. This fire is being closely monitored.
White River wildfire
Located 37 km northeast of Canal Flats, this fire is now estimated at about 12,000 ha. Increased fire behaviour yesterday resulted in removing crews and equipment, to ensure the safety of personnel.
Three lightning-caused fires have merged into one fire (White River, Grave Creek and North White River). Currently BC Wildfire Service personnel are closely monitoring this fire and creating contingency plans.
To aid in fire suppression activities and for public safety, there is a complete road closure on the White-Schoefield Forest Service Road starting at the 78-kilometre mark, the White River Forest Service Road starting at the 32 kilometre mark and the White-East Fork Forest Service Road starting at the 60 kilometre mark.
There are more fires noted on the BCWS active wildfires website; please click here to learn more.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
Lead image: A bomber is dwarfed by the massive column of smoke billowing from the St. Mary River fire north of Cranbrook Sept. 1. Photos by Chad St. Pierre Photography
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