Regional wildfire update

A person-caused fire that started yesterday is now at .3 hectares in size in the Yahk Main area, southwest of Gilnockie Provincial Park, 27 km east of Yahk.

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) is also reporting a .02-ha lightning-caused fire in the Fraling Creek area, about four kilometres southeast of Spillimacheen.

The Mount Robinson wildfire in Montana, at 178-ha, is approximately 1.5 kilometres south of the Canada/USA border, 65 km south of Cranbrook.

The lightning-caused fire (pictured above) was discovered on August 22.

“Smoke from this fire is highly visible from Newgate, Lake Koocanusa and surrounding areas. The US Forest Service is currently fighting this fire with air support including airtankers,” the BCWS reported, adding it “is working on a plan should the fire cross the border into our region.”

Six other fires remain burning in the East Kootenay, including the White River Complex, now at an estimated 3,714.6 ha.

BCWS notes there are 45 firefighters fighting the blaze today, aided by three helicopters and four pieces of heavy equipment. “Crews are working here today with the aid of heavy equipment and air support,” BCWS stated.

In addition, a 1.1-ha wildfire remains active nearby in the North White River area, resulting in a number of road closures including the White-Schoefield Forest Service Road starting at the 78 kilometre mark, the White River Forest Service Road starting at the 32 kilometre mark and the White-East Fork Forest Service Road starting at the 60 kilometre mark.

The Quinn Creek wildfire east of Top of the World Provincial Park remains active, at 591-ha.

And the White Creek-Monitor fire, northwest of Kimberley, also remains active, at 30-ha.

Finally, the Verdant Creek wildfire in Kootenay National Park and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is now at 14,130 hectares.

“While the fire continues to burn, it does not directly threaten the Bow or Columbia Valley and remains on the west side of the Continental Divide. Parks Canada is actively managing the spread of the fire through the deployment of ground crews and bucketing with helicopters,” Parks Canada reported August 21.

Check Wildfire BC’s Active Wildfires webpage for updates.

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