B.C. wildfire smoke affecting air quality in Hope ‘should clear’ by end of day Monday
Posted September 12, 2022 10:17 am.
Last Updated September 12, 2022 7:44 pm.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says you can expect the area around Hope to remain smoky throughout the day Monday, but air quality in the region ‘should’ start to clear by the end of the day.
Paula Walbauer, a fire information officer, says crews will be focusing on dumping water at the east and west flanks of the Flood Falls Trail wildfire in Hope in an effort of getting it under control.
“We’re hoping our temperatures should be lower [Monday] and there is a chance of light showers on Tuesday and Wednesday,” said Walbauer.
The Flood Falls Trail wildfire is estimated to be around 520 hectares. It started on Thursday.
That fire forced the closure of Highway 1 to all eastbound traffic from Bridal Falls to Flood Hope road.
Walbauer says 78 firefighters and seven helicopters are working together to fight the flames Monday.
Evacuation orders in the Hunter Creek and Laidlaw areas have been issued by the district of Hope.
“Residents in the Hope area or Fraser Valley Regional District should be checking their local regional pages for any updates on evacuation orders and alerts,” said Walbauer.
“Those who may be experiencing difficulties with the smoke and their health should remain indoors and monitor their health.”
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Meanwhile, the Heather Lake Wildfire, southeast of Manning Park along Highway 3, is continuing to grow. It’s now estimated to be around 10,358 hectares.
“Along Highway 3 and in the vicinity of the fire, the increased smoke has been challenging to both crews and also our helicopters. It’s been very difficult to see and actually know what is happening on the ground because the smoke has been very apparent,” said Walbauer.
Highway 3 is still open. You can check DriveBC for the most current information on highway conditions and listen to CityNews 1130 for traffic updates every 10 minutes on the ones.
There are currently five active wildfires of note in the province.
With files from Kareem Gouda
