Cranbrook Fire mobilized to provide structure protection from wildfire at Canadian Rockies International Airport

Efforts to battle the over 2,600 hectare St. Mary’s River wildfire are continuing into the weekend.

The Cranbrook fire department has been mobilized to begin structure protection on critical assets at the Canadian Rockies International Airport.

This following an evacuation alert being issued for the airport Thursday night.

An update from the BC Wildfire Service says fire activity spread towards the airport Thursday.

Wildfire crews said Friday morning that the fire is holding within established control lines and there was no impacts to airport infrastructure or structures in the surrounding areas at this time.

Heavy smoke has impacted visibility, leaving aerial resources unable to fly Friday morning. Aviation operations will begin again once visibility improves and it is safe to fly.

Currently six helicopters, airtankers and a skimmer group are all assigned to this incident.

Fire crews are also spread throughout priority areas of the fire to patrol and hold it at existing control lines.

A list of all active Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Alerts connected to the St. Mary’s River wildfire can be found by clicking here.

Pictured: Map of the St. Mary’s River wildfire, as of July 20, 2023. (Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service)