Update: Aug. 8, 11:45 a.m.
Two major wildfires and five smaller fires continue to burn in the Harrison Lake area.
The Long Island wildfire continues to grow, moving from 90 to 223 hectares overnight. Though the fire perimeter does not presently extend past the northern half of the island, the entire island has previously been ordered to evacuate.
The Clear Creek Fire is the largest in the area, now razing 700 hectares, up 500 from yesterday’s update, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS)
A new wildfire has been ignited near Clear Creek; it’s currently minimal in size and is suspected to have been caused by lightning.
Three other, much smaller fires are classified as out of control (down one from yesterday): Clear Creek South (minimal), Clear Creek No. 2 (minimal size, being monitored only) and Clear Creek East (minimal size, being monitored only).
The Big Silver Creek fire remains under control, holding at 3 hectares. Hornet Creek No. 1 is also under control, shrinking slightly from 1 hectare to 0.9.
RELATED: 70 lightning strikes in Harrison area as firefighters battle six Saturday wildfires
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What you need to do if you are ordered to evacuate:
Close all windows and doors
Shut off gas and electrical appliances
Leave your refrigerators and freezers on
Close gates and latch, but do not lock
Gather your family; assist a neighbour or someone who needs help
Take critical items if they are immediately available. This includes keys, ID, cash/cards and medicine
Take pets in kennels or on leashes
Do not use more vehicles than you have to
Do not use the phone unless you need emergency service. Text family and friends or post on social media.
Self-register with Emergency Support Services at ess.gov.bc.ca to report you have safely left the area. By registering, you may be eligible for emergency shelter or food if this is your primary residence and you have not made other arrangements.
Tune into radio stations 98.3 or 100.5 for updates.
If you can’t transport yourself out of the area and all neighbours have left the area, immediately call Fraser Valley Regional District’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 778-704-0400 or dial 911.
Due to the seasonal nature of the properties being evacuated on Long Island, ESS is available on a case by case basis for emergency shelter and food for those who don’t have a primary residence to return to. If this applies to you, let the EOC know that you have self-registered as an evacuee. A needs assessment will be performed to connect you with the proper support.
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All fires are listed as lightning-caused.
RELATED: 2 new wildfires discovered north of Harrison
There have been approximately 20 wildfires that have burned in the Agassiz-Harrison area this year. Wildfires at Cogburn Creek, Hornet Creek No. 2 and No. 3, which also ignited earlier this week, no longer appear on the BCWS map.
As of 12 pm. on Sunday (Aug. 8), there are 279 active wildfires in B.C. (down seven from the previous day) There have been 1,436 wildfires in B.C. in 2021.
More to come.
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