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Updated wildfire report for Saturday, Aug. 22 noon

Wildfire updates from BC Wildfire Services. Stickpin at 19,000 Ha and 15 per cent contained.
19914grandforksChristinaLakefirefighters
Firefighters have been busy fighting fires in the area including the Paulson Pass wildfire near Christina Lake.

 

Stickpin Fire USA (N60686)

Last updated: Friday, August 21, 2015 at 9:00 PM

Location:

4 KM southwest of the border from Grand Forks

• See approximate location of this wildfire on a Mapquest

map.

• View an interactive map of all active Wildfires of Note.

 

Discovered: Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Size: 19,000.0 hectares (estimated)

Status:

Active

• 15% contained

U.S crews have created guard along the west flank, and are now focusing on the northernmost

flank.

There has been minimal growth on this fire overnight,

and most of the growth has been to the east.

There are no evacuation alerts or orders associated with this fire for residents north of the border.

 

 

 

 

 

Lynch Creek (N60585)

Last updated: Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 11:35 AM

Location:

25 km north of Grand Forks

• See approximate location of this wildfire on a Mapquest

map.

• View an interactive map of all active Wildfires of Note.

 

Discovered: Thursday, August 13, 2015

Size: 160.0 hectares (estimated)

Status:

Active

• 10% contained

Today crews are working on containment of the east flank.

 

Interface: This is not an interface fire.

More

information

This fire is currently not threatening any structures or communities, however smoke from this fire is visible to the residents in the North Fork region.

 

Cause: Lightning 

 

Resources

30 firefighters

• 5 helicopters

• 2 heavy

equipment

No further details available at this time regarding resources.

 

Map & Photos: See the 1 files for this fire.

Links for more information about fires in general

  • EmergencyInfoBC Online source for emergency alerts about natural disasters and provider of public education and preparedness information.

  • DriveBC Road conditions and closures

  • BC Air Quality The Air Quality Health Index is a health protection tool that is designed to help you make decisions to protect your health by limiting short-term exposure to air pollution and adjusting your activity levels during increased levels of air pollution.

  • Interior Health During a forest fire, be aware of health risks associated with exposure to smoke, food safety in power outages, and water quality.

 

 

 

 

Paulson Pass (N60590)

Last updated: Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 11:29 AM

Location:

15 km NE of Christina Lake / west of Highway 3

• See approximate location of this wildfire on a Mapquest

map.

• View an interactive map of all active Wildfires of Note.

 

Discovered: Thursday, August 13, 2015

Size: 300.0 hectares (estimated)

Status:

Active

Crews are continuing to mop-up on the western and north flanks and conducting burn off operations.

 

Interface: This is not an interface fire.

More

information

This fire is highly visible from HWY 3. The Highway was closed briefly last night, however, it is now open to single lane alternating

traffic with the assistance of a pilot car.

For current driving conditions in B.C, including road closures and hazards,

please visit:

http://www.drivebc.ca

 

Cause:

Lightning 

This fire was reported on Thursday, August 13, with most of the growth happening between Thursday and Friday night.

 

 

Resources

71 firefighters

• 8 helicopters

• 6 heavy

equipment

No further details available at this time regarding resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rock Creek fire

 

 

 

Discovered: Thursday, August 13, 2015

Size: 4,534.0 hectares

Status:

Active

• 50% contained

The larger estimated size of this fire is due to new growth on the southeast flank, into the old West Fire. The majority of the fire's growth took place on August

13, but heavy smoke previously limited mapping capabilities.

Over the next few days different aircraft including airtankers may be supporting control lines.

A dry cold front has passed through the area. Temperatures over the few days should be warmer, and winds should be calmer.

Smokey conditions may return to the Rock Creek area. Much of the smoke is originating from fires in the United States.

 

Interface Interface

Fire

BC Wildfire Service crews are working with structural protection firefighters from throughout the region to protect life and property in the area.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has completed an assessment of damage in the area and has confirmed that 30 homes and additional 15 structures have been damaged or destroyed.

 

Evacuation Alert is in effect.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has downgraded all areas under Evacuation Order to Evacuation Alert, effective at 7:00 pm August 19th. Highway 33 is open as of August 21st at 6:00pm.

For more information on these closures and alerts, please visit: http://www.rdkb.com

 

More

information

This area contains multiple potential hazards, including active wildfire, "danger trees" (trees whose root systems have been weakened by fire activity), heavy equipment use and downed power lines.

Entering any restricted area can delay firefighting activities, contribute to the growth of the fire and possibly put more values and people at risk. Safe fire suppression efforts depend on the support and understanding of the public.

Highway 33 is open as of August 21, at 6pm. For more information on BC Highways, please visit: :http://www.drivebc.ca

 

Cause:

Under Investigation

The cause of this wildfire is under investigation, but it is suspected to be human-caused. All human-caused wildfires are preventable and unnecessarily divert firefighting resources from naturally occurring fires. The Southeast Fire Centre is urging everyone to be cautious when in the backcountry and refrain from any activities that may cause a wildfire.

 

 

Resources

145 firefighters

• 11 helicopters

• 20 heavy

equipment

Crews are continuing to reinforce and extend control lines near properties by establishing machine-guard and fuel-free areas. Extensive helicopter bucketing continues to occur on

the east flank.

Wildfire Service firefighters are being supported by nine helicopters, 13 pieces of heavy equipment and airtanker groups as necessary.

ROAD CLOSURES

No road or highway closures near Grand Forks/Christina Lake on Canadian side

 

Highway 3 is open by the Paulson Bridge (and throughout) Debris on Road

Highway 3 Both directions - Fallen Rock and Debris on Road from Christina Lake to Paulson Bridge (24.1 km). Please watch for emergency crews. Updated on Sat Aug 22 at 6:12 am PDT. (ID# 192244)

 

Highway 33 has been reopened

Highway 33 Both directions - Highway reopened from Rock Creek to Beaverdell (47.6 km). 60 KM/HR speed limit in effect from Westbridge to Rock Creek. Watch for livestock and debris on road. Limited visibility due to dust. Visit http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcwildfire/ for fire information. Plan your route with DriveBC.ca. Updated on Sat Aug 22 at 4:00 am PDT.

 

On the US side:

Hwy 395 (Cascade/Laurier) at Matsen Crk Rd is closed 43 km south of the border crossing, while Hwy 21 (Danville) at Bridge Crk Rd is 140 km

south of the border; below Republic.

Danville border crossing is open for regular hours. Haven't confirmed Cascade. If you really, really needed to get south (or back north) you could go Danville as far as Republic and take 20 over to Colville and then where ever. I would expect delays. Basing info on WSDOT.com map.