Update: 3:32 p.m.
The BCWS has deployed a rappel crew to create a landing zone for a helicopter to aid in fighting the Bear Mountain wildfire. Residents in the area may see a helicpter going back and forth.
The District of Kent’s Emergency Operations Centre remains in place in the event wildfire-related emergencies arise.
“Travelers this long weekend are reminded that the back country is still volatile, and the fire ban remains in place,” The District stated.
To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could lead to a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone. If you can, take a picture of the fire a nd submit it to the BCWS through their app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
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Update: 2:09 p.m.
The BCWS has reported a new wildfire between Chehalis Lake and Harrison Lake, toward the north end of both. The fire is under 1 hectare in size and the cause has not yet been determined. It was discovered at about 1:44 p.m.
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The local wildfire situation continues to improve after last week’s rash of new fires due to lightning strikes.
Three of four wildfires along the east coast of Harrison Lake are now either out or under control, according to the latest from the B.C. Wildfire Service.
The Bear Mountain wildfire remains out of control at this time. On Wednesday, the District of Kent stated that the Bear Mountain wildfire was moving slowly and burning on steep, inaccessible terrain. There were no open flames. The BCWS is assessing response options, but there is currently no risk to life or property at this time.
There are no evacuation orders or alerts in the area as of Friday morning. Just as a precaution, residents along Kamp River Road were given a public information notice about the fire.
The South Chehalis Lake wildfire is being held, which means it’s unlikely to expand beyond its current known boundaries if current weather and ground conditions continue to hold up.
The Chehalis Lake fire – on the lake’s north shores – has been burning since early June and is classified as out of control. It does not appear to have grown, holding at about 767 hectares in size. Just norht of that, the Mystery Creek wildfire is out of control but has not grown beyond 0.5 hectares.
As of Friday at 11:20 a.m., there are 418 active wildfires in the province, down four wildfires since Wednesday’s update.
More to come.
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adam.louis@ ahobserver.com
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