East Kootenay wildfire update: Monday, August 14, 2023

Aug 14, 2023 | 3:16 PM Wylie Henderson

The BC Wildfire Service continues to battle several active wildfires in the East Kootenay.

Crews are conducting a 50 hectare planned ignition on the southeast flank of the Yearling Creek Wildfire east of Radium Hot Springs on Monday.

Meanwhile, a successful planned ignition around the south side of the Lladnar Creek Wildfire near Sparwood was undertaken on Sunday.

There are no changes to any existing local Evacuation Alerts or Area Restriction Orders as of Monday afternoon at 3:12 p.m.

Find more information from the BC Wildfire Service via the Regional District of East Kootenay below:

REGIONAL WILDFIRE UPDATE – (posted August 14.23 2:40 PM)Here is your Regional Wildfire Update with information from BC…

Posted by Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) on Monday, August 14, 2023

REGIONAL WILDFIRE UPDATE – (posted August 14.23 2:40 PM)

Here is your Regional Wildfire Update with information from BC Wildfire Service. For the most up-to-date information on all fires, visit www.bcwildfire.ca

Temperatures are expected to increase significantly this week, so if you see wildfire, please report it by calling 1-800-663-5555, *5555 on a cell phone, or using the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

LLADNAR CREEK (west of Sparwood)

• Size 1,246ha (mapped)

• The next few days are anticipated to be increasingly hot and dry, followed by the potential for high winds late in the week (Aug. 17-20). The fire may become more active with hot, dry conditions and increased smoke and/or flame may be visible.

• Following the successful planned ignition on the south side of the fire yesterday,

crews may continue some small-scale planned ignitions in the Lladnar Creek drainage to burn several remaining pockets of fuel.

• Firefighters with support from aircraft and heavy equipment will continue to monitor and mop up the planned ignition site. Structure protection specialists are patrolling the area as well. Crews remained on site overnight to ensure the fire stayed within the planned ignition site.

• The area restriction remains in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire.

• The Evacuation Alerts remain in effect and there have been no changes to them in the past 24 hours. You can see more details on www.sparwood.ca or www.rdek.bc.ca

MOUNT BINGAY – N12456 (approx. 16km of Elkford)

• The fire is seeing an increase in activity in the evening around 8:30 p.m. as the sun sets, making it highly visible from Elkford and surrounding areas. The fire is not growing significantly or burning in a concerning direction at present and no structures, communities or other values are threatened at this time.

• The fire remains high on the slope with cut blocks below it that would serve as a buffer should it start moving downhill.

• The BC Wildfire Service has a camera in place to monitor the fire continuously and personnel are regularly flying the fire to assess and determine what, if any, further action may be required.

• It is currently estimated at 51 hectares in size.

KAMMA CREEK (27km west of Moyie)

• This fire is anticipated to be more active this week as hot, dry conditions and low humidity move in.

• Smoke from this fire may be visible from Cranbrook, Kimberley and the surrounding area during periods of heightened fire activity.

• The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring it regularly.

• The Area Restriction remains in effect.

LUM CREEK (north of Fisher Peak)

• This fire continues to be monitored by the BC Wildfire Service.

• It is anticipated to produce more visible smoke this week as conditions become hot and dry.

• There is an Area Restriction in place.

YEARLING CREEK (23km east of Radium)

• Size 2,876ha (Mapped)

• Today, August 14, a 50 hectare planned ignition will take place on the Southeast corner of the Yearling Creek fire. Yesterday, test ignitions on the Southeast corner went well and indicated that conditions were appropriate for a planned ignition today.

• Cross River FSR has been reopened; however, Cochrane Creek FSR is closed to public access.

• The Evacuation Alerts remain in effect and there have been no changes in the past 24 hours.

HORSETHIEF CREEK (7km north of Panorama)

• Today crews are focusing on securing the Neave drainage where planned ignitions took place August 7. Mop up continues along the Bruce drainage and Horsethief from an August 6 planned ignition. Mop up is also ongoing along the 14km Road.

• Crews are continuing work on a contingency guard up the Horsethief Canyon and a direct guard up to Law Ridge.

• Planning is underway for a potential small, planned ignition near the Jackpine bowl ridgeline if conditions allow.

• The Evacuation Alert remains in effect and there have been no changes in the past 24 hours.

• The Area Restriction remains in effect for this fire.

MIA CREEK (17km NE of Canal Flats)

• Size 3,294ha (mapped)

• Today personnel are using direct attack methods between the Kootenay East FSR and the Mia North Road.

• Guards are being improved in the 9 Mile Road and Mt Glen Road areas.

• Hand ignitions may be used to remove fuel if conditions and fire behaviour allow.

• The Area Restriction remains in effect for this fire. Note: access is permitted in Whiteswan Provincial Park for travel and recreation.

JUBILEE MOUNTAIN (10km NW of Spillimacheen)

• There have been no significant changes to report and firefighters are continuing to work to complete control lines and contain the fire.

• An Area Restriction remains in effect for this fire.

– Article includes statement and social media link provided by Regional District of East Kootenay/BC Wildfire Service