Paulson Pass wildfire now at 260 Hectares and still zero per cent contained. 10 type 1 (most skilled) firefighters are on site along with heavy equipment. The fire is 10 km from Christina Lake. Fire information officer Melissa Klassen says no residences or structures are in danger at this time."They are working on establishment containment," she said. "We did see some spots cross over Highway 3; however, we had some initial attack crew extinguish those spot fires. The goal is to keep the fire on the north side of the highway."Klassen said the highway is still open and has not been closed down.
"The fire is very visible from the highway," she said. "We've had reports of people pulling over on that highway. That's a concern given it's always dangerous in the area of an active wildfire."
Klassen said it's important for people to keep going and not pull over due to the dangers.
"The road is open and we want to be able to keep it open," she said. "As long as we have participation from the public, and the public moves forward and not stop along the highway we can do that."
Other fires -
The Lynch Creek fire is almost 20 hectares and remains zero percent uncontained. In initial attack phase.
The Rock Creek fire remains at 3,750 hectares and zero per cent uncontained. There are 102 firefighters, seven helicopters and 14 pieces of heavy equipment fighting the blaze.
Stickpin fire - The Washington state stickpin wildfire is still burning and is an estimated 6-7km from the Canadian border just south of Grand forks. It's an estimated 11,000 hectares in size and zero per cent contained.
"Most of the growth of the fire did occur on Friday," said Klassen. "It was shown a slower rate of spread. Today (Sunday) they are experience some cooler temperatures and lighter winds which is aiding in fire suppresion personnel in establishing north containment."
Klassen said crews may be conducting some burning operation which may produce more smoke, "fortunately, today the winds are forecast to come from the north/northwest. That should push smoke away from Grand Forks."
Klassen said our Canadian service personnel are in constant contact with their American fire supression counterparts.
"We do have plans in place in the event that the fire does continue to approach the border," she said.
Paulson Pass Fire - 10 km north of Christina Lake
photo courtesy of Jenn Waldie