The BC Wildfire Service is currently responding to 25 active fires in the Cassiar fire zone, including the Alkali and Elbow Lake wildfires, which both have evacuation orders.

Firefighting efforts throughout the Cassiar fire zone are proving to be very difficult due to high drought codes. Deciduous tree stands are usually considered safe zones for firefighters. Right now, these areas are giving little to no reprieve, due to the lack of moisture in the ground and trees. Based on 31 years of data, the drought codes are the highest they’ve ever been at this time of year.

Alkali Lake fire (R91947) is burning near the community of Telegraph Creek and is approximately 800 hectares. Most of the growth is in the northeast direction. As of today, the Regional District of Kitimat Stikine has expanded its evacuation order to include the village of Telegraph Creek. An incident management team in arriving on site today.

Elbow Lake fire (R91656) is located 50 kilometres north of Dease Lake. The fire is approximately 450 hectares. Seven cabins are located next to the active fire area. Structural protection is set up on two cabins closest to the fire. This fire is currently burning west of Highway 37 and has not jumped the road.  The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is actively monitoring this fire along with wildfire personnel to ensure safe travels along the highway. The Regional District of Kitimat Stikine has implemented an evacuation order for this fire. However, it does not cover the highway.

For more information and maps regarding these evacuation orders, visit: http://rdks.bc.ca

Muddy Lakes fire is a cluster of six fires on the north side of the Tahltan River that have now all connected. The estimated size is 5,000 hectares. This fire is producing large quantities of smoke and is currently being monitored.

Lutz Creek fire (R92033) is estimated at 40 hectares and is located southwest of Lower Post, about 91 kilometres northeast of Cassiar. Two para-attack crews (six firefighters total) have deployed to the fire. The intention is to get it under control as soon as possible and stop it from jumping the river.  Each para-attack crew consists of three firefighters.

Todagin Creek fire (R91753) is about 90 kilometres south of Dease Lake and about 15 hectares. The fire was flown over today. It is still burning in high elevation and is not a threat to any communities, highways or powerlines at this time.

The Kinaskin Lake fire (R92196) is 110 kilometres south of Dease Lake and about 1.5 hectares.  This new fire started around 1 p.m. today and is being actioned by a ground crew and air support.

Other fires in the Cassiar zone are all being monitored for the protection of life and property. All the fires are being responded to in a priority sequence.

To report a wildfire or abandoned campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free, or dial *5555 on a cellphone.

For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1 888 3-FOREST or visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

You can follow the latest wildfire news on:

• Twitter at: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
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Learn More:

The drought code measures the moisture content of deep soil layers. For more information regarding drought codes visit: http://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/background/summary/fwi