B.C. wildfire season is in high-gear, being fuelled by hot temperatures and lightning.
As of Friday morning, 119 wildfires are burning in the province, predominately in the Cariboo, Prince George and Kamloops regions.
About 40 per cent of the fires are in the early stages of assessment, classified as new, with 30 per cent deemed out of control.
Roughly 10 per cent are under control by BC Wildfire crews.
Lightning sparked at least three fires in the Kamloops area in the past 24 hours. On Canada Day, Premier John Horgan told reporters that 29,000 lightning strikes had hit B.C. between Wednesday and Thursday.
Sixty-nine of the active wildfires have been confirmed to be caused by lightning, while 37 remain under investigation – including the devastating Lytton Creek blaze that destroyed 90 per cent of the Thompson-Nicola-area village.
Morning all, #BCWildfire season is in full force, & I don't just mean the big wildfires of note. Look at all these new fires (all discovered w/in 24 hrs) in #KamloopsBC.
— Ashley Wadhwani (WAHD-WAH-NEE) (@ashwadhwani) July 2, 2021
When we talk resources & prioritizing fires, this is the difficult task – and more will pop up today. pic.twitter.com/qnWOXwoS2M
Although temperatures have dipped from the extreme heat wave earlier this week, much of B.C. remains tinder dry, making for perfect fire fuel with the help of a spark.
British Columbians are being urged to be extremely vigilant and report any and all fire sightings to 1-800-663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone).
#BCWildfire #Kamloops pic.twitter.com/dPO5KA2cAV
— Colton Barker (@Barker7Colton) July 2, 2021
Key wildfires of note:
Lytton Creek
Estimated fire size: 6,400 hectares
Location: Lytton
Classified as: Out of control
Discovered: June 30
BC Wildfire crews are working on the north west flank to secure the community. Ground crews and air support continue to work on the incident. A crew focused on structure protection is watching the east flank near Highway 1. Evacuation orders impacting roughly 1,000 people remain in effect.
Roughly 44 firefighters are battling the blaze with three pieces of heavy equipment.
McKay Creek
Estimated fire size: 22,000 hectares
Location: 23 km north of Lillooet
Classified as: Out of Control
Discovered: June 29
Crews worked to extinguish the fire on the south side of the fire perimeter Thursday, progressing westward with hose lays. A large portion the West Pavilion road was also secured for emergency access.
A spot fire on the east side of the Fraser River advanced eastward Thursday evening as a result of elevated winds.
Friday’s goal is to establish control lines and develop contingency containment plans, BC Wildfire Service says, as well as contain the growth on the east side of the Fraser River by establishing fire guards with heavy equipment.
Eighty-seven firefighters are on scene, supported by nine helicopters and six pieces of heavy equipment.
ALSO READ: Evacuation order issued for Pavilion Lake area due to McKay Creek fire
Sparks Lake
Estimated fire size: 20,000 hectares
Location: 15 km north of Kamloops Lake
Classified as: Out of Control
Discovered: June 28
BC Wildfire Service says the weather to date has been unprecedented with temperatures hitting the mid-40s, making smoke very visible from nearby communities. Crews working to establish control lines and burn out where able.
Roughly 163 homes are under an evacuation order, with 298 properties on alert.
Ninety-three firefighters are responding to this fire, backed by 13 helicopters and 16 pieces of heavy equipment.
Mary Creek
Estimated fire size: 15 hectares
Location: 8 km southwest of Castlegar
Classified as: Out of Control (0% contained)
Discovered: July 1
An evacuation order has been implemented for 31 properties as the fire burns near the south side of town.
The billows of smoke are much smaller than they were yesterday and there were no new evacuation orders overnight.
DAY 2: Castlegar wildfire still burning at 15 hectares
UPDATE: The #BCWildfire Service continues supporting the #Castlegar and Ootischenia Fire Departments with suppression efforts on the Merry Creek wildfire (N51165), with 20 personnel remaining on site overnight. The fire is classified as Out of Control & is estimated to be 15 ha. pic.twitter.com/StcP4QpZ6J
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) July 2, 2021
George Road
Estimated fire size: 350 hectares
Location: 7 km south of Lytton
Classified as: Out of Control
Discovered: June 16
Suspected to be human-caused, this fire is being met with increased fire activity, making it inoperable for fire crews due to the weather in the area.
Nine firefighters are tending this blaze, with one helicopter.
Beatton River
Estimated fire size: 3,4000 hectares
Location:
Classified as: Out of Control
Discovered: June 28
Very little information has been given at this time, but the fire is believed to be caused by lightning located east of Pink Mountain near Prince George. The fire is not burning near any structures or communities.
Deka Lake
Estimated fire size: 70 hectares
Location: Southwest of Deka Lake
Classified as: Active
Discovered: June 30
A small fire compared to others in the province, but burning close to many homes. As of Thursday, 679 properties are under an evacuation order.
Roughly 48 firefighters with one helicopter and one piece of heavy equipment are fighting the aggressive blaze.
READ MORE: Deka Lake evacuees hoping their homes are saved
G80997 (Pink Mountain Wildfire)
Estimated fire size: 6,000 hectares
Location: North of Buckinghorse River, adjacent to Highway 97 North
Classified as: Out of Control
Discovered: June 28
Also burning in the Pink Mountain Area, some good news has been seen on this fire with the Peace River Regional District downgrading evacuation orders in the area to alerts.
G91020 (Alaska Highway fire)
Estimated fire size:2,856 hectares
Location: Alaska Highway
Classified as: Out of Control
Discovered: June 29
Discovered June 29, and roughly 2,200 hectares in size, this fire along the Alaska Highway is believed to be caused by lightning and considered out of control. No further details are available about the wildfire, but drivers should expect delays due to road closures along Highway 97N between Sikanni Chief Road and Prophet River Sub Road for 59.3 kilometres.
@ashwadhwani
ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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