Fire Update, Saturday August 29th 6:00pm

Good afternoon,

We have a new small wildfire south of Moyie townsite next to Highway 3 which was caused by a tree falling onto a power line.   BC Wildfire Service has an initial attack crew onsite along with 2 officers and a helicopter dropping water.  There are no evacuation alerts or orders in place and we are told that this fire is not threatening any structures at this time.

The BC Wildfire Service reports that the Cherry Lake wildfire grew quickly yesterday and today due to gusty winds and dry conditions.  This fire is now estimated at 1250 ha but it is not threatening any structures or communities.  There are 43 firefighters on the ground, 6 helicopters and 7 pieces of heavy equipment.  Please note:  To assist Wildfire Service crews in being able to action the Cherry Lake area fire, a public access restriction is in effect for the Caven, Wickman, Larch, Bloom, Teepee and Teepee / Jim Creek Forest Service Road. This restriction will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified.  BC Wildfire Service has a map showing the closure area on their website at: Cherry Lake Wildfire  Let's stay out of their way so crews can fight the fire most effectively!

The forecast for the next couple of days says the gusty winds should die down around sunset tonight and there’s a possibility of thunder showers in the wee morning hours.  The winds will likely pick up again on Sunday and they’ll still be from the south west, so smoky conditions will continue.  Sunday has possibility of more showers or thunder showers in some areas with possible amounts of up to 5-10 mm.

If you plan to travel this weekend, check the DriveBC website: http://www.drivebc.ca/ for up to date information on road closures.

The campfire ban remains in place.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation on Crown or private land, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.  Within a municipality, please contact the municipality directly for information on fire bans and/or reporting.

-Tracy Van de Wiel

Information Officer

250-489-9677

Road Closures, Cherry Creek Fire

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