(UPDATE: Sept.4th @ 2:03 p.m.) –
Linklater Creek wildfire
Now estimated at 305 hectares (on the Canadian side) the Linklater Creek fire is still active. BC Wildfire Service says to expect to see an increase in smoke from this fire during peak temperature times and windy conditions.
Smoke is highly visible from Newgate, Lake Koocanusa, and surrounding areas. The US Forest Service is currently fighting this fire with air support including air tankers.
There are currently 19 firefighters, one helicopter, and eight pieces of heavy equipment responding to the fire.
The BC Wildfire Service is constructing guard, focusing on the northeast side of the fire. Helicopter bucketing will focus on hotspots. Areas are being assessed for structural protection units.
Diamond Creek wildfire
The Diamond Creek wildfire is now estimated at 4,525 hectares and is out of control.
It is not currently threatening any structures, however, due to public safety concerns, BC Parks has closed Cathedral Provincial Park.
To help protect public safety, an area restriction is in place in the vicinity of this fire. Please read the information bulletin for details.
The BC Wildfire Service is currently flying over the area twice a day by helicopter to map the fire, determine whether growth has occurred, and to develop a strategy in the event the fire threatens values, such as structures, timber, and resources.
(Original Story: Sept, 2nd @ 3 p.m.)
With the increase of high winds and hot temperatures, wildfire activity increased in certain areas across the province on Saturday.
However, many crews were able to maintain containment.
Here's a round up of some of the larger fires we've been tracking that started in the U.S. and have now spread to southern B.C.
Two wildfires crossed the U.S. border and spread up into Southern B.C. from Washington on August 28th and August 29th.
Linklater Creek Wildfire
Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service
As of Friday, September, 1st, the Linklater Creek wildfire was burning 18 kilometers southwest of Newgate and 65 kilometres southeast of Cranbrook.
It was discovered on August 22nd and is estimated to be 30 hectares in size and actively burning.
Currently, this same fire in the U.S. is estimated to be 647 hectares in size.
BC Wildfire Service expects to see an increase in smoke during peak temperature times and windy conditions.
The US Forest Service is currently fighting this fire with air support. The BC Wildfire Service is building a guard and working on hot spots within Canada.
This fire was caused by lightning.
Diamond Creek Wildfire
As of Saturday, September 2nd, the Diamond Creek Wildfire is estimated at 2,030 hectares in size and 0% contained.
The U.S. portion of the wildfire is estimated to be 58,794 acres in size, or 23,793 hectares in size. On the U.S. side, 63% of the fire is contained and the U.S. estimates it will see containment by October 15th.
It was discovered on July 23rd in the Pasayten Wilderness of Washington State, about 10 kilometres south of the Canada/U.S. border.
BC Parks has closed Cathedral Provincial Park for safety reasons.
U.S. officials indicate this fire was human caused.
An area restriction for Crown land in the Diamond Creek area will remain in effect until September 30th.
View the BC Wildfire Service site for more information on the area restriction.
View the U.S. site on the Diamond Creek Fire for more information.
For updates on some of the notable wildfires in B.C.,click on the following links:
To stay updated on all things wildfires in B.C., go to KelownaNow's Fire Watch page.
