| SMITHERS –BC Wildfire Service initial attack crews continue to respond to lightning-caused wildfires in the Northwest Fire Centre (NWFC), with a high success rate. Over the last 48 hours, crews have responded to 12 new wildfires. Seven have been called Out, one expanded attack incident is Being Held and four within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park are in Modified Response with a status of Out of Control. You can read more about Modified Response here. R11692: Coldwater Creek This wildfire is located approximately 26kms northwest of Fraser Lake. It was discovered on the afternoon of August 20th and was exhibiting rank 3 fire behaviour with a moderate rate of spread and candling in heavy timber. Shortly after discovery yesterday, air tankers assisted by dropping retardant around the perimeter of the wildfire in an effort to slow the spread and allow safe access by ground crews. There is no current threat to communities or infrastructure. Size: 18 hectares Status: Being Held Cause: Lightning Resources: 13 firefighters, 2 helicopters and 8 pieces of heavy equipment Heavy equipment completed guard construction around the perimeter of the fire this morning, and the status was updated to Being Held this afternoon. Firefighters are establishing a hose line and connecting to water tenders and relay tanks. Helicopter bucketing will support containment of the fire by cooling areas to prevent spotting outside of the guard. This morning diminished fire behaviour was observed; however, it is expected to become more vigorous again within the fire perimeter in the afternoon heat. Smoke will likely be visible from Fraser Lake, highway 16 and surrounding areas. For the upcoming week, NWFC forecasters are calling for continued high temperatures, dry conditions, and potential for lightning through the south of the fire centre. The BC Wildfire Service expects additional fires to be reported and continues to have crews and other resources on standby to respond to any emerging incidents. Please be cautious in outdoor activities. Human-caused wildfires are avoidable, and they pull resources away from other incidents. We would also like to thank members of the public for the many phone reports received yesterday afternoon for the Coldwater Creek wildfire, and we ask for your continued support in reporting wildfires. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone. For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST, download the BC Wildfire Service app, or visit www.bcwildfire.ca. Follow the latest wildfire news: Twitter: twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo Facebook: facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo Contact: NWFC Fire Information Officer BC Wildfire Service Northwest Fire Centre BCWS.NWFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca 250 876-6844 Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect |