The Blackwater Ridge fire, located just north of Golden in the Donald area, is now considered under control by BC Wildfire Service.
The fire has been held at 115 hectares and was moved from out of ‘out of control’ to ‘being held’ on July 30, when it measured 100 hectares in size. The fire has been burning since July 11 and was suspected to have been caused by a lightning strike.
In the same approximate location, the Carrol Creek fire continues to burn out of control, now reaching 442 hectares, up from 275 hectares just under two weeks ago. The fire has been burning since July 1.
Work continues to be done on the Mt. Hunter fire, locates just 20 kilometres east of Golden, with a planned ignition taking place on July 30 from the BC Wildfire Service and Parks Canada.
The planned ignition was successful and allowed the BC Wildfire Service to reduce forest fuel ahead of the fire and support efforts to bring the fire under control.
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Planned ignitions are undertaken by trained and experienced personnel to remove the majority of available fuel ahead of the wildfire so there is less fuel available for the wildfire to burn. The BC Wildfire Service has implemented safety protocols and strategies while conducting its operations to minimize the risk of the planned ignition growing beyond the intended area.
A break in the smoke allowed air tankers to drop retardant along the east flank and on the machine guard, which helped to keep the fire within control lines, calm fire activity and cool the fire’s perimeter, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The fire is still classified as out of control, however, measuring 445 hectares in size, a significant growth from two weeks ago when it measured 182 hectares.
As for the Marion Lake fire south of town close to Beaverfoot Ridge, it has been listed as ‘under control’ for nearly two weeks, with area restrictions being rescinded on Aug. 2.
The Southeast is going back into a warming and drying trend as a ridge of high pressure rebuilds ahead of the weekend. The BC Wildfire Service would like to remind people to remain cautious while recreating outdoors and thank residents for their dedication to keeping human-caused fire starts minimal.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 tollfree or *5555 on a cellphone. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca/
