The Dogtooth Forest Service Road Wildfire, about 20 km south of Golden, is now rated a Wildfire of Note, forcing the closure of Highway 95 between Golden and Edgewater.

The now 133 hectares fire has prompted an evacuation order and alert (Read more here) for Malone Road, Parson River Crossing FSR and Thomas Rd.

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports elevated sustained and gusty winds drove aggressive fire behaviour, challenging containment lines in the afternoon on July 24 through the overnight period and into the early morning.

“Crews were forced to tactically pull back from the fire and switched their focus to structure protection.  Wind cleared the heavy smoke long enough for airtankers to put down retardant ahead of the community in the evening before visibility became too poor again for safe flying,” BCWS stated.

The fire remained active through the overnight period and into the early morning.

“Crews and the local fire department worked through the night establishing structure protection. Crews and heavy equipment are back on site focused on establishing guards to the east. Smoke continues to obscure visibility. Helicopters will support ground operations wherever possible.”

Rain started in the early morning hours and reduced temperatures is expected to subdue fire behaviour, though wind remains a factor.

“Airtankers are not currently able to safely fly due to visibility. When conditions improve they will be working on this fire.”

Four of Invermere Fire Rescue’s (IFR) members are answering the call and deploying with a Structural Protection Unit (SPU) trailer and truck to the Parson area, to assist with fire protection efforts.

Captain Erik McLaughlin, Lieutenant Janice Dallaire, Firefighter Ben Hoult and Firefighter Tyson Hagen are now en route and could be deployed for up to 14 days.

“Meanwhile, the rest of our crew members have stepped up to also maintain full coverage at home, which gives us the ability to deploy an SPU crew without jeopardizing our regular duties and protection,” IFR noted on social media.

“We’re extremely proud and appreciative of the sacrifice that both the home crew and away crew are making, to drop everything at a moment’s notice to help our fellow British Columbians in this devastating time of need. Be safe!”

Learn more about the Dogtooth FSR Wildfire.

Lead image: IFR firefighters heading north to Parson to help in the battle against the Dogtooth FSR Wildfire. Invermere Fire Rescue photo

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