East Kootenay wildfires include the 115-hectare Lussier River wildfire near Premier Lake and the Moyie Falls wildfire south of Cranbrook, both fires are currently classified as being held by the BC Wildfire Service.
Lussier River Wildfire (N20809)
The Lussier River wildfire (N20809) was discovered on July 11 in the Premier Lake area east of Kimberley. The fire is currently estimated at 115 hectares and is listed as human-caused by the BC Wildfire Service.
The Regional District of East Kootenay’s Evacuation Alert remains in effect for 72 addresses in the Premier Lake area. The alert area extends approximately six kilometres north of Premier Lake, south of Premier Lake Campground, approximately 2.5 kilometres west of Premier Lake and east to the base of the mountains.
Residents should review the Evacuation Alert and boundary map to determine whether their property is included.
The RDEK is advising residents with RV trailers or boats to move them during the alert stage. Once an Evacuation Order is issued, there may not be enough time to move recreational vehicles or equipment.
Increased cloud cover has cooled temperatures and raised relative humidity. Fire behaviour has not increased, although smoke may remain visible.
Firefighters are establishing a 10-foot-wide wetline along the edge of a control line. A wetline is created by applying water to help prevent the fire from spreading beyond the containment line.
Helicopters have been assigned to the incident and are available to support containment efforts as required.
People on Columbia Lake and Premier Lake are asked to clear the area and remain near shore when firefighting aircraft are operating nearby. Skimmer aircraft work in groups, so additional aircraft may be approaching even when only one is visible.
Transport Canada and the BC Wildfire Service prohibit drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles near wildfires. Unauthorized drone activity can force firefighting aircraft to be grounded until the airspace is cleared.
The RDEK Regional Emergency Operations Centre remains active, and BC Wildfire Service crews continue to respond to the fire.
Moyie Falls Wildfire (N10812)
The Moyie Falls wildfire (N10812) is located south of Cranbrook near Moyie and was discovered on July 11.
The wildfire is estimated at 5 hectares and is currently classified as being held by the BC Wildfire Service. The suspected cause is listed as human activity.
As of the latest BC Wildfire Service update, no evacuation alerts or area restrictions were listed for the Moyie Falls wildfire.
Fire Danger Remains Elevated
The wildfire starts come just days after the BC Wildfire Service implemented a Category 2 Open Fire Prohibition throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, including the East Kootenays.
The prohibition, which took effect July 10, reflects increasing wildfire risk across the region as temperatures rise and fuels continue to dry.
Residents and visitors are reminded that many summer wildfires are preventable. Human-caused fires can result from unattended campfires, equipment use, discarded smoking materials, fireworks, burning activities and vehicle-related sparks.
Wildfire activity can change rapidly. Anyone travelling through the East Kootenays should monitor current conditions and check evacuation information before heading into backcountry or recreation areas. See the BC Wildfire service map here: wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map
Source: RDEK & BC Wildfire
