A small fire excursion that crossed the Lazy Lake Road on Sunday (Aug 1) is now classified as being held, following successful fire suppression efforts from BC Wildfire Service personnel and heavy equipment.
The fire excursion, less than 10 hectares, stemmed from strong wind gusts on the northwest perimeter of the Bill Nye Mountain wildfire and had threatened one structure earlier in the day. However, firefighters and structural protection specialists were on site and new control lines were successfully constructed around the excursion.
In addition, plans were in the works to conduct an aerial ignition to reduce the amount of fuel available in the fire’s path and to further support efforts to bring the fire under control
Helicopters provided bucketing support and heavy equipment worked to establish new containment lines. An evacuation order for the Lazy Lake area was issued by the Regional District of East Kootenay on July 27.
On Saturday, fuels were removed along power lines to protect that infrastructure, while power lines were also de-energized along Lazy Lake Road on Sunday to protect fire responders.
The wildfire has grown significantly and is now estimated at 2,904 hectares, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
Resources currently working on the wildfire include 60 firefighters, three helicopters and 13 pieces of heavy equipment.
