The latest East Kootenay Fires Update activity across the region remains relatively stable, fire behaviour and activity for the Calamity Creek wildfire has decreased and firefighting personnel no longer need to restrict public access to the area.

The latest East Kootenay Fires Update has Jumbo Creek remaining out of control, four regional wildfires being held, and Wait Creek, Diorite and Ranger Lake under control.

Jumbo Creek (N21071)

Jumbo Creek remains OUT OF CONTROL, defined as a wildfire that is spreading or is anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter or control line.

Estimated size – 1,400 ha

Discovered July 20.

The wildfire continues to be regularly monitored by frequent flights, and a remote camera has been installed.

The Jumbo Creek Area Restriction remains in effect.

Calamity Creek (N11036)

Calamity Creek is classified as BEING HELD, meaning it is projected, based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, to remain within the current perimeter, control line or boundary.

Estimated size – 180.89 ha

The previous Area Restriction is no longer in effect.

Matthew Creek (N11020)

Matthew Creek remains classified as BEING HELD.

Estimated size – 1,825.95 ha

The Matthew Creek Area Restriction remains in effect.

Tower Creek (N10947)

Tower Creek remains classified as BEING HELD.

Estimated size – 1,327 ha

McGuire Creek (N11396)

McGuire Creek is classified as BEING HELD.

Estimated size – 29.64 ha

Wait Creek (N11360)

Wait Creek is classified as UNDER CONTROL, meaning the wildfire is not projected to spread beyond the current perimeter.

Diorite (N21239)

Diorite is classified as UNDER CONTROL.

Ranger Lake (N11326)

Ranger Lake is classified as UNDER CONTROL.

Off-Road Vehicle Ban Remains in Effect

A full Off-Road Vehicle ban remains in effect throughout the East Kootenay. Recreational use of quads, dirt bikes, ATVs, side-by-sides and other off-road vehicles on Crown land is prohibited.

Officials have received several reports of motorbikes being operated in and around the Wait Creek Fire area near Ta Ta Creek. In addition to being prohibited, this activity is particularly concerning in an area where residents have recently been directly affected by wildfire.

ORV violations can be reported through the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

Transport Canada and the BC Wildfire Service also remind the public that drones are prohibited near wildfires. Unauthorized drone activity can force firefighting aircraft to suspend operations until the airspace is safe.

If you see smoke or a wildfire:
Report it using the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.
Call 1-800-663-5555 from a landline.
Dial *5555 from a cellphone.

For the latest wildfire information, visit www.bcwildfire.ca.
For the latest highway information, visit https://www.drivebc.ca/
For the latest evacuation information, visit https://www.rdek.bc.ca/