Fire crews were able to get a helping hand from cooler temperatures over the weekend, but fire activity is expected to increase as hot dry weather makes a return.
There are eight wildfires in our area, with three being fires of note.
Four are considered out of control while one is being held.
Six of the fires were caused by lighting, one was human-caused and the last is not known yet.
Connell Ridge Fire
The Connell Ridge fire continues to be the largest in our area covering approximately 1,350 hectares.
There was no significant growth over the weekend, but BC Wildfire Service officials said it will likely start growing again now that the weather is warmer.
There are 67 firefighters actioning the blaze with the help of nine helicopters and 27 pieces of heavy equipment.
An evacuation alert is still in place for six properties along Gold Creek Fire Service Road and an area restriction around the fire is in place as well.
This fire was caused by lightning and was discovered on Aug. 1.
Cummings Creek Fire
BC Wildfire Service officials said there was aggressive fire behaviour witnessed on the eastern flank of the Cummings Creek blaze last night.
It’s approximately 44 hectares and lightning caused. It was discovered on Aug. 3.
Crews are still having a difficult time accessing the area due to steep terrain and heavy smoke is grounding aviation efforts.
Structure protection personnel will be triaging and assessing properties in the Sparwood area today.
BC Wildfire Service officials said Sparwood is not imminently threatened, but they want to give their structure protection personnel enough time to deploy structure protection apparatus if it ends up being needed.
A public information session regarding the fire is being held by the RDEK on Tuesday at 8 p.m.
MORE: Sparwood residents invited to Cummings Creek Wildfire info session (Aug. 8, 2022)
Weasel Creek Fire
The Weasel Creek Fire continues to grow after it crossed the border from the United States last week.
It’s approximately 1,028 hectares with 526 hectares being on the Canadian side of the border.
It was discovered on Aug. 4 in Canada.
The cause of this fire is unknown.
This blaze is not threatening any nearby communities. It’s located about 39 kilometres southeast of Baynes Lake.
Mount Docking Fire
The Mount Docking fire is still out of control east of Edgewater.
It was discovered on July 30 and is now about 13 hectares.
It was caused by lightning.
Mount Nicholas Fire
A two-hectare blaze is out of control northeast of Wasa.
It was discovered on Aug. 6, and caused by lightning.
Stair Lakes Fire
The Stair Lakes fire continues to burn out of control in the Purcell Mountain range.
It’s about 65 hectares and lightning caused.
It was discovered on July 31.
Gilnockie Provincial Park Fire
This fire was first discovered on Aug. 4, east of Yahk.
It’s out of control but only just over one hectare.
It’s believed to be lightning-caused.
Six Mile Creek Fire
The Six Mile Creek fire north of Kitchener is currently being held by crews.
It’s about 55 hectares and is believed to be human-caused.
An area restriction is still in place around the blaze.