B.C. long weekend fire bans, prominent wildfires

As British Columbians look to enjoy the outdoors during the long weekend, the province is reminding people to remain vigilant in preventing fires but also to keep an eye out for restrictions that are already in place.

In a news release from the Ministry of Forests, the province recommends planning ahead before heading out.

“Warm summer temperatures combined with drought conditions throughout the province are increasing the potential for wildfires. People should follow all fire bans and restrictions and be prepared for wildfires by having an emergency plan and staying informed as conditions change,” the release stated.

It adds to be mindful of roads and parks that may be closed due to wildfires, along with evacuation orders and alerts.

Campfire bans in place across B.C. 

Throughout the province, except for the Haida Gwaii district, lighting campfires, along with all other open burnings, is not allowed.

Related articles: 

• Campfire ban issued for almost all of B.C. amid surge in wildfires

• Adams Lake, B.C. wildfire prompts evacuations near Kamloops

• B.C. urging travellers to plan ahead as wildfire risk increases over long weekend

“Everyone is asked to do their part to prevent human-caused fires,” the province notes. It also advises people to properly dispose of smoking materials and to check that they are “completely” out.

Campfire bans have come into effect on and off over the summer, but as the majority of the province faces severe drought conditions, the province is taking added preventatives to help keep people safe.

Wildfires of note burning near popular B.C. spots

There are still hundreds of wildfires burning in B.C., and the province says to keep a wary eye for potential fire hazards, and closures.

The BC Wildfire Service still has several wildfires of note listed on its dashboard, including:

Rossmore Lake fire near Kamloops

The highly visible blaze on the outskirts of Kamloops, the Rossmore Lake wildfire, is still out of control and continuing to spread, although “there was no significant growth” on Thursday.

“Increased winds along with hot and dry conditions, are expected to influence fire behaviour. Smoke may be visible from Kamloops, and will likely be highly visible from Highway 5, Highway 5A and the surrounding area today,” the service says.

Horsethief Creek fire near Invermere

Sized just under 2,000 hectares, the Horsethief Creek wildfire was first discovered on July 24 and is just west of Invermere.

“There may be thunderstorms in the late afternoon on both Friday and Saturday, with temperatures of mid-20 degrees. This could bring some instability to the area and impact fire behaviour throughout the weekend in the evenings,” the service says.

It notes that smoky conditions are smoky in the valley areas.

Eagle Bluff fire near Osoyoos

Meanwhile, the Eagle Bluff blaze that cropped up on July 29 which is burning on the B.C.-U.S. border, is more than 3,000 hectares on the Canadian side. However, the total area the fire spans is much larger when the American portion is taken into account.

It is located west of Osoyoos and has caused a number of evacuation alerts and orders.

St. Mary’s River fire near Cranbrook

Near Cranbrook, the St. Mary’s River fire continues to burn at more than 4,600 hectares, but it is listed as now being held and is note expected to spread further.

“While holding the fire is an important milestone, crews still have work ahead. Crews will continue to be a presence in the area completing important work including mop up and danger tree assessing and falling. Intermittent smoke will likely remain visible from within the perimeter until the fire has been declared out,” BC Wildfire says.

Lower East Adams Lake fire near Chase

Just over 20 kilometres north of Chase in the province’s Interior, the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire has been “very active” recently.

First discovered on July 12, the wildfire is estimated to be burning at more than 2,500 hectares as of Friday morning.

The blaze has prompted a number of evacuation orders and alerts.

B.C.’s largest wildfire 

The province’s most prominent fire — the Donnie Creek wildfire — was last estimated in July to be more than 583,000 hectares.

The out-of-control blaze continues to not respond to suppression efforts by wildfire personnel.

More information on wildfires and evacuation information in the province can be found online.

Wildfires can be reported by calling  1-800-663-5555 or by dialling *5555. They can also be reported through the BC Wildfire Service app.