East Kootenay wildfire update Friday, July 26

One new fire has sparked in the East Kootenay, while six others continue to burn out of control and another five are being held or under control.

The new fire was sparked on Thursday in Kootenay National Park.

It’s at least six hectares and is believed to be lightning-caused.

Out of Control wildfires:

Mount Morro – N21014 – Located in Top of the World Provincial Park (currently closed)

• Size – 11,382 hectares
• Suspected cause – lightning
• Discovered on July 17, 2024
• This fire originated at high elevation on Mount Morro, in extremely steep terrain that is inaccessible to crews.
• This fire is classified as a modified response. Wildfire Officers and an initial attack crew have worked with BC Parks to protect park values.
• The fire is now outside of the provincial park and growing in all directions.
• Structure protection has been established on cabins outside of the park in areas of concern.
• An area restriction is now in place around the fire.
• Evacuation orders were issued for four properties, the Home Basin Campground and Inlet Creek Campground.

MORE: Whiteswan Lake area ordered to evacuate as Mt. Morro fire grows (July 25, 2024)

MORE: Area restriction issued for Mount Morro fire (July 24, 2024)

Dogtooth FSR – N21427

• Size – 5,445 hectares
• Suspected cause – Lightning
• Discovered on July 22, 2024. Upgraded to a wildfire of note.
• The Town of Golden confirmed that at least six homes have been destroyed along Rauch Road.
• The evacuation order for 28 properties and the evacuation alerts for 1,044 properties is still in effect.
• An area restriction is in place.

MORE: Highway 95 closed due to Dogtooth FSR fire, evacuation orders issued (July 25, 2024)

Mount McMillan – N21284

• Size – 596 hectares
• Suspected cause – Lightning
• Discovered on July 20, 2024.
• Helicopters will be seen in the area of these fires as they are being flown regularly for reconnaissance.
• Fire activity has significantly increased due to the daytime temperatures and elevated winds, making the fire more visible to the public.
• The blaze has combined with the Lost Dog N fire.

Ravens Head – N21610

• Size – 4,702 hectares
• Suspected cause – Under investigation
• Discovered on July 24, 2024
• The Palliser/Cross River area is under an evacuation order as the Ravenshead wildfire is fanned by winds and dry conditions.
• This includes Nipika Mountain Resort, Cross River Education and Retreat Centre, Cross River Forest Service Road and Cross River Canyon Recreation Site.
• An area restriction is in place.

MORE: Area restriction issued for Ravens head wildfire (July 26, 2024)

Bradford Creek – N11212 

• Size – 29.3 hectares
• Suspected cause – Lightning
• Discovered on July 19, 2024

Bayview Creek – N41405

• Size – 0.3 hectares
• Suspected cause – Lightning
• Discovered on July 22, 2024

Whitetail Creek – N41632

• Size – Six hectares
• Suspected cause – Lightning
• Discovered on July 25, 2024.

Wildfire being held:

Island Pond – N21295

• Size – 37 hectares down from an original estimate of 120.
• Suspected Cause – lightning
• Discovered on July 20, 2024
• The two evacuation orders and 65 evacuation alerts have been rescinded.

Madias Creek – N21398

• Size – 2.1 hectares
• Suspected cause – Human
• Discovered on July 22, 2024
• There are no more evacuation orders in place for this fire, but the evacuation alert for 281 properties is still in place.

Brewer Ridge – N21207 

• Size – 0.2 hectares
• Suspected cause – Lightning
• Discovered on July 19, 2024

Wildfires under control: 

Gold Creek 1 – N11234

• Size – 3.3 hectares
• Suspected cause – Lightning
• Discovered on July 19, 2024

Vowell Creek – N20773

• Size – 12 hectares
• Suspected cause – Lightning
• Discovered on July 9, 2024.

For more information on specific wildfires in the region contact the Southeast Fire Centre at [email protected] or 250-318-7715.

Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.