The wildfire which started west of Rock Creek near Highway 3 is currently estimated at 2500 hectares in size. The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has issued an Evacuation Order for 330 homes in the area and an additional Evacuation Alert. For more information on this Evacuation Order and Alert, please visit: http://www.rdkb.com
There thunderstorm activity and significant wind gusts through the region last night may have increased fire behaviour and growth. BC Wildfire Service crews are working with structural protection firefighters from throughout the region to protect life and property in the area. This wildfire is uncontained and extremely dangerous and anyone entering the evacuation area will be putting themselves and firefighters at risk. This area contains multiple potential hazards, including active wildfire, “danger trees” (trees whose root systems have been weakened by fire activity), heavy equipment use and downed power lines.
Entering the evacuation area can delay firefighting activities, contribute to the growth of the fire and possibly put more values and people at risk. Safe fire suppression efforts depend on the support and understanding of the public.
Sections of Highway 3 and Highway 33 have been closed due to this incident. For more information on these closures, please visit:http://www.drivebc.c
The cause of this wildfire is under investigation, but it is suspected to be human-caused. All human-caused wildfires are preventable and unnecessarily divert firefighting resources from naturally occurring fires. The Southeast Fire Centre is urging everyone to be cautious when in the backcountry and refrain from any activities that may cause a wildfire.
The Southeast Fire Centre has received numerous reports about a smoke column near Grand Forks. This smoke is coming from a large wildfire in Washington State. The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring this wildfire and will assist with suppression if and when needed. For more information on this incident, visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov
The BC Wildfire Service thanks the public for its ongoing support in reporting wildfires. To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
