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St. Mary’s River wildfire pushes northward and crosses river
The St. Mary’s River wildfire remains out-of-control at 3,342 hectares today, Saturday, July 22.
There are five Initial Attack crews and four Unit Crews responding to this wildfire. A total of 232 personnel, including BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) personnel, contract crews, single resources, and structure protection personnel. An American 20-person engine crew arrived and began Friday, July 21.
The fire also jumped the Kootenay River Friday but swift and heavy action has kept it contained to a small area.
Fire has spotted across the Kootenay River onto the Bummers Flats on the east side of the river. Crews are working in the area to contain the spot with assistance from aviation resources when visibility permits. Heavy equipment is on standby to support. The spot is between the CP Rail line and the Kootenay River in wetlands.
“The odds are looking favourable that we will contain that,” said BCWS Incident Commander Daniel Klein.
Crews and heavy equipment also worked overnight on the LD Ranch Road and the work is ongoing today.
No further growth was observed on the west flank north of the airport or north flank over to Francis Lake. Fire is holding well on machine guards in that area, BCWS reported this afternoon.
Observed fire behaviour Saturday morning was rank 1 – 2, meaning a smouldering to low vigour surface fire with some visible open flame. Fire behaviour is the most active during the peak burning period in the afternoon and early evening when daytime heating is highest and humidity is lowest.
Sixteen pieces of heavy equipment is on site working on containment lines.
Fifty-seven Structure protection personnel are on site and integrated into the incident. Additional resources are being mobilized.
Skimmers and helicopters can be utilizing lakes in the area as a water source to respond to this incident. These aircraft require a large area on the lake to operate safely and any watercraft can obstruct operations which can force them to divert.
This can have a significant impact on fire response if our aircraft can’t operate efficiently due to public interference. Boaters must stay back so aircraft can conduct their work safely.
Please remain clear of skimming aircraft, your cooperation ensures the aircraft can safely skim water on the lake surface and ensures response to the wildfire is not negatively impacted.
Incident Commander Daniel Klein and Loree Duczek from the Regional District of East Kootenay provided a detailed operational update, including answering some frequently asked questions. Note this update was filmed at 11:00 a.m. MST on Saturday, July 22.
Please click here to see all the evacuation orders and alerts and area restrictions.
Lead image: A heavy lift helicopter attacks the fire after it jumped the Kootenay River yesterday, July 21. Chad St. Pierre Photography images
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