East Kootenay wildfires include the 100-hectare Lussier River wildfire near Premier Lake and the Moyie Falls wildfire south of Cranbrook, both currently classified as out of control 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 had grown to approximately 100 hectares by late Saturday and is listed as human-caused by the BC Wildfire Service.

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) issued an Evacuation Alert on July 11 for 72 addresses in the Premier Lake area as the wildfire expanded. According to the RDEK, 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 map to determine whether their property is within the alert area.

“Given the dry conditions and the fact that there is only one road in and out of the area, this Alert is being issued,” said RDEK Information Officer Loree Duczek. “This is a heavily used recreation area, and we are encouraging those in the vicinity to stay aware of the potential for changing conditions on this Fire.”

The RDEK has activated its Regional Emergency Operations Centre, while BC Wildfire Service crews continue to respond to the incident.

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 1.1 hectares and is currently classified as out of control 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 new 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