The current hot, dry and windy conditions have caused an increase in fire behaviour for some modified response fires burning in the east Kootenay.  

Due to the location of these fires, some of them are being monitored only or limited sections of the fires are being responded to where it is safe and effective to do so.

This type of fire suppression strategy is called “Modified Response” and involves BC Wildfire Service personnel monitoring a fire’s activity to ensure it remains within a specific parameter and meets land management guidelines.

Kenow Mountain (N11966)

• Located about 6 kilometres north of the U.S. boarder, 71 kilometres southeast of Baynes Lake is now burning into the province of Alberta.
• This lightning caused fire is currently estimated to be 4,420-hectare and is located in high elevation moving in a northeast direction. This fire is currently not threatening any communities.
• Alberta Forest Service is looking to implement containment lines along the height of land to slow down the fires progression into Alberta.
• This lightning caused fire is being closely monitored by BC Wildfire Service personnel.

Elder Creek wildfire (N11984)

• Located on the U.S. boarder, approximately 64 kilometres from Baynes Lake.
• This fire is currently estimated to be 750 hectares in size.
• Crews continue to co-ordinate fire suppression efforts with the U.S.
• This fire is currently not threatening any communities.
• The cause of this fire is under investigation.

Lodgepole FSR wildfire (N11971)

• Located approximately 33 kilometres southeast of Fernie.
• This lightning caused fire is currently estimated to be 1,751 hectares in size and is not currently threatening any communities.
• An increase in fire behaviour has made this fire unsafe for crews. This fire is being closely monitored.
• There is a forest service road closure on the Lodgepole Forest Service Road. However, at this time this area is inaccessible due to the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District backcountry closure.

Soowa Mountain wildfire (N11976)

• Located approximately 20 kilometres east of Baynes Lake.
• This lightning caused fire is currently estimated to be 530 hectares in size and is not currently threatening any communities.
• Three BC Wildfire Service personnel worked to establish guard around values as well as set up structural protection units for values in the area.
• An increase in fire behaviour has made this fire unsafe for crews. This fire is being closely monitored.

Quinn Creek wildfire (N11664)

• Located approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Sparwood near Top of the World Provincial Park.
• This lightning caused fire is currently estimated to be 2,700-hectare in size and is not currently threatening any communities.
• Twenty-four BC Wildfire Service personnel set up structural protection units for values in the area.
• An increase in fire behaviour has made this fire unsafe for crews. This fire is being closely monitored.

The Southeast Fire Centre extends from the U.S. border in the south to the Mica Dam in the north and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. It includes the Selkirk Natural Resource District and the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District.

To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

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