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Latest wildfire information from Ministry of Forests

Stickpin fire in Washington State now at 19,240 Ha and is 15% contained.

INFORMATION BULLETIN

For Immediate Release

August 24, 2015

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

BC Wildfire Service

B.C. crews begin suppression on wildfire in U.S.

GRAND FORKS – The Stickpin wildfire burning in northern Ferry County, Washington, five kilometres south of the Canada-United States border is now estimated at 19,240 hectares. The BC Wildfire Service is working closely with fire agency representatives in the United States to coordinate wildfire response for this incident.

The BC Wildfire Service has begun work on Branch 3 of the Stickpin wildfire (Also known as “The Canadian Branch”), which is the northeast portion the fire. Current objectives include developing situational awareness, identifying anchor points, and establishing control lines to keep this incident from reaching Canada.

Growth to the northeast has been minimal over the last few days due to lower temperatures and winds, and the northern part of the fire burning into an area with fewer fuels as a result of the 2003 Togo wildfire.

Due to heavy smoke in the area, the BC Wildfire service is currently unable to support crews on the ground with airtankers or helicopter buckets.

If required, BC Wildfire Service airtankers may use Christina Lake for air operations. An Air Attack Officer flying in a smaller "bird-dog" or lead aircraft will sound an alarm over the area prior to airtankers landing in the lake. For the safety of firefighting personnel and the public, recreational boaters are asked to avoid using the lake during these operations. Safe fire suppression efforts depend on the support and understanding of the public.

The BC Wildfire Service is working with structural protection firefighters from the Boundary region to assess properties which could potentially become threatened by this wildfire. Residents will be notified if an Evacuation Alert or Order is put in effect.

The BC Wildfire Service would also like to acknowledge the support from Border Services in both countries in expediting resources to this incident.

The Southeast Fire Centre thanks the public for its ongoing support in reporting wildfires. To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca

You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:

• Twitter at http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo

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Wildfire update - compiled from bcwildfire.ca (Aug. 24 2:45pm) -

Stickpin, Washington (5km south of Canada border) – 19,240 ha, 15% contained, 36 firefighters from BC have joined the battle on the northeast flank. Objectives include developing situational and operational awareness for the first days of the fire, identifying fire lines and determining strategies and tactics moving forward. Smokey conditions may limit air support and ground crew operations over the next several days.

Paulson Pass (15km NE of Christina Lake/West of Hwy 3) - 300 ha, 80% contained, crews are mopping up on western and north flanks

Lynch Creek (25km north of GF) – 200 ha, 10% contained, crews are working on containment of east flank

Rock Creek  - 4.354 ha, 75% contained