Up-to-date information is available for all evacuation orders, alerts and fire activity caused by the St. Mary Wildfire.
This story will be a hub to access all of our coverage on the blaze.
Rescinding
MORE: ʔaq̓am partially rescinds evacuation order (July 24, 2023)
MORE: St. Mary River fire being held, many evacuation alerts rescinded (July 28, 2023)
MORE: More ʔaq̓am residents off of evacuation alert (July 32, 2023)
Evacuation Orders
ʔaq̓am:
MORE: Update: Evacuation alert upgraded to order (July 19, 2023)
MORE: Evacuation Order issued for ʔaq̓am residents (July 17, 2023)
RDEK:
MORE: 15 new properties on evacuation order, nine on alert (JULY 20, 2023)
Evacuation Alerts
ʔaq̓am:
MORE: Update: Evacuation alert upgraded to order (July 19, 2023)
RDEK:
MORE: Evacuation alert expanded to over 500 properties (July 22, 2023)
MORE: 17 more homes on evacuation alert (July 21, 2023)
MORE: 71 more properties under an evacuation alert (July 20, 2023)
MORE: 15 new properties on evacuation order, nine on alert (July 20, 2023)
MORE: RDEK expands St. Mary River wildfire evacuation alert (July 18, 2023)
MORE: Evacuation Alert issued for 23 properties, flights taking off again (July 17, 2023)
Cranbrook:
MORE: Canadian Rockies International Airport added to Evacuation Alerts (July 20, 2023)
Fire Information
Below is a list of all fire update stories in chronological order. The most up-to-date story will be at the bottom.
This section includes current fire size, air quality advisories and information on BC Wildfire Service Crews. It does not include evacuation orders or alert stories.
MONDAY, July 17, 2023:
MORE: Eleven wildfires active in East Kootenay (July 17, 2023)
Tuesday, July 18, 2023:
MORE: Windstorm knocks out power in Cranbrook area (July 18, 2023)
MORE: Government urges safety as wildfire smoke blankets province (July 18, 2023)
Wednesday, July 19, 2023:
MORE: St. Mary Wildfire at 800 hectares, Rank 4 fire behaviour observed (July 19, 2023)
MORE: Seven homes lost in St. Mary Wildfire (July 19, 2023)
Thursday, July 20, 2023:
MORE: Police investigating viral Facebook post (July 20, 2023)
MORE: BC Wildfire Service crew given temporary accommodations in Cranbrook (July 20, 2023)
MORE: Cranbrook area under smokey skies bulletin (July 20, 2023)
MORE: St. Mary Wildfire now approximately 2,600 hectares (July 20, 2023)
Friday, July 21, 2023:
MORE: Area restrictions in place around St. Mary’s wildfire (July 21, 2023)
MORE: Firefighters taking on St. Mary blaze receive backup (July 21, 2023)
Saturday, July 22, 2023:
MORE: St. Mary wildfire seen spreading across Kootenay River (July 22, 2023)
Monday, July 31, 2023:
MORE: Moir Park open again to public (July 31, 2023)
Tuesday, August 1, 2023:
MORE: St. Mary River wildfire now classified as ‘being held’ (Aug 1, 2023)
Thursday, August 3, 2023:
MORE: Work continues on St. Mary River fire, despite being held status (Aug 3, 2023)
How People Can Help
MORE: Local organizations helping St. Mary’s fire evacuees house animals (July 20, 2023)
MORE: Donations pouring in for families affected by St. Mary Wildfire (July 19, 2023)
