Wildfire activity has died down across the East Kootenay for now, despite recent thunderstorms across the region.
Two small wildfires were spotted on Tuesday, one at Mount Forester and another at Castor Creek, but they have since been snuffed out thanks to helicopter response.
One new fire was discovered Wednesday evening, south of Golden and the existing Dogtooth wildfire.
BC Wildfire Service said the fire in the Nine Bay Lake area was likely sparked by lightning and grew to about 0.1 hectares.
Firefighters quickly got on the situation and it is now classified as ‘Being Held.’
Lightning has been a significant contributor to new and ongoing wildfires.
“We have seen just under 10,000 lightning strikes in the last seven days, predominantly in the Kamloops and Southeast Fire Centres. In the Southeast, there was roughly 4,500,” said Director of Operations Cliff Chapman.
“As we went through July, we had a very hot and dry month. So, those lightning strikes had the ability to start new fires in that dry fuel.”
While the rain helped reduce recent wildfire activity, it is not enough to completely eliminate the risk.
“In the short term, we’re going to see a return to seasonal normals – 25 to 30 degrees rather than 35 to 40. That’s great for us, from a response perspective,” said Chapman.
“But it still doesn’t give us that weather we need to knock down the susceptibility of new fire starts.”
Chapman said the province is still in the midst of wildfire season.
“There’s still lots of August to go and lots of potential still out there,” said Chapman.
“We’re working very hard in the initial attack phase to try catching these fires early and avoid them becoming Wildfires of Note.”
Out of Control wildfires:
Mount Morro – N21014 – Located in Top of the World Provincial Park (currently closed)
- Size – 11,483 hectares
- Suspected cause – lightning
- Discovered on July 17, 2024
- An Incident Management team has been assigned to the fire.
- 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.
- Structure protection has been established on cabins outside of the park in areas of concern.
- The evacuation for four properties, the Home Basin Campground and Inlet Creek Campground has been rescinded.
- The area restriction in place was modified and shrunk along the north and south sides of the fire.
More: BC Wildfire Service shrinks restricted area around two local wildfires (Aug 7, 2024)
Dogtooth FSR – N21427
- Size – 5,481 hectares
- Suspected cause – Lightning
- Discovered on July 22, 2024. Remains a wildfire of note.
- Crews will continue small-scale hand ignitions and direct attack across the southern flank.
- Firefighters completed hand ignitions along the northern flank of the blaze and have established patrol lines.
- The Town of Golden confirmed that at least six homes have been destroyed along Rauch Road.
- Structure protection teams are keeping up with assessments and proactive triage of community areas.
- An Incident Management team has been assigned to the fire.
- An evacuation order remains in place for Malone Road, Parson River Crossing FSR and Thomas Road.
- The Town of Golden has rescinded the evacuation order for 720 properties south of Champagne Road to Hawkins Road.
- The alert is still in place for 332 properties from Hawkins Road to approximately two kilometres south of Parson.
- An area restriction is in place.
More: Evacuation alert partially rescinded for Dogtooth blaze (Aug 7, 2024)
Lost Dog – N21284
- Size – 884 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.
- BC Wildfire Service officials said direct attack suppression on the north flank was successful and it kept the fire south of Skookumchuck Creek.
- An area restriction has been put in place.
- Rain and humidity have reduced wildfire activity to smouldering ground fires.
- There are currently two initial attack crews, four contract crews and three single resources responding to the fire.
MORE: Area restriction in effect for Lost Dog area (July 29, 2024)
Ravens Head – N21610
- Size – 8,292 hectares
- Suspected cause – Under investigation
- Discovered on July 24, 2024
- Nine properties in the Palliser/Cross River area are still under an evacuation order.
- This includes Nipika Mountain Resort, Cross River Education and Retreat Centre, Cross River Forest Service Road and Cross River Canyon Recreation Site.
- Air crews are monitoring for planned ignition opportunities while a structure protection team conducts proactive assessments and supports triage.
- The area restriction was reduced along the south side of the fire.
More: BC Wildfire Service shrinks restricted area around two local wildfires (Aug 7, 2024)
Bradford Creek – N11212
- Size – 41 hectares
- Suspected cause – Lightning
- Discovered on July 19, 2024
- Steep, rocky terrain has presented safety hazards to ground crews.
- Direct attack tactics are being used on the parts of the fire that are closest to the valley bottom.
- Helicopters will be seen in the area of these fires as they are being flown regularly for reconnaissance.
- Rain and humidity have reduced wildfire activity to smouldering ground fires.
Wildfire being held:
Bayview Creek – N41405
- Size – 0.3 hectares
- Suspected cause – Lightning
- Discovered on July 22, 2024
Nine Bay Lake – N21885
- Size – 0.1 hectares
- Suspected cause – Lightning
- Discovered on August 7, 2024
Wildfires under control:
None at this time.
For more information on specific wildfires in the region contact the Southeast Fire Centre at [email protected] or 250-318-7715.
More Information
The BC Wildfire Service is the primary source of information for all wildfire activity.
Regional District East Kootenay (RDEK) is the primary source of information for evacuation orders and evacuation alerts.
Drive BC for all information on roads and road closures.
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