The St. Mary’s River wildfire has grown rapidly in recent days and now poses a risk to the transmission line between Cranbrook and Invermere. As of this morning (July 23) the fire is 4,093 hectares.

BC Hydro is warning that in the event of damage to this line, there won’t be enough capacity to meet the electricity needs of customers in Invermere, Golden, Radium Hot Springs, and Spillimacheen.

“We’re asking customers in these areas to prepare for possible power outages. If this does occur, our priority will be to continue to power essential services such as hospitals, fire halls, and police stations,” BC Hydro stated.

“We’re continuing to work with BC Wildfire Service to protect our electrical equipment and take steps to reduce the risk of further damage to our poles through grubbing ahead of the fire. We’re doing everything we can to keep this line in service. We’ll continue to provide updates as the situation progresses.”

Lead image: A barricade at the entry to the Old Airport area near Ta Ta Creek noting evacuation alerts, orders and area restriction information, with the fire burning in the background. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photo

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