The Wait Creek fire northeast of Kimberley, B.C., has placed 117 properties under an evacuation order. The wildfire of note was discovered on Aug. 1 and quickly grew as a result of strong winds and dry conditions. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire was 1,378 hectares in size and listed as out of control. “The fire behaviour has decreased substantially with the decrease in weather conditions,” said Meghan Graceffo, information officer with the BC Wildfire Service’s Southeast Fire Centre. The fire is now exhibiting Rank 1 or lower fire behaviour — smouldering ground fire. Fifty-five firefighters are on scene, along with aircraft and heavy equipment. Graceffo says crews have been able to build fire guards using Highway 95A and machinery on the west side of the fire to keep it from spreading. “It’s not expected to grow with the current weather conditions. That said, it could change if the weather changes,” Graceffo said. Highway 95A remains closed. An evacuation alert is in place for a small number of properties around the Wait Creek wildfire. “It’s really important for people to understand that evacuation alerts and orders are not issued lightly,” said Loree Duczek, regional emergency operations centre information officer. “That recommendation comes from the BC Wildfire Service and it’s based solely around risk. That can be not just risk in terms of the fire and fire behaviour, but also factors such as egress into and out of a community and the projected time it would take people to leave.” The fire also caused a large power outage over the weekend, impacting 18,000 people in Fairmont Hot Springs, Invermere and Radium Hot Springs. BC Hydro says power has since been restored. Duczek says Emergency Support Services support will continue for residents in the Ta Ta Creek area who remain under an evacuation order. “It is important for people, no matter where you live in B.C. and beyond, to make sure you are following the current situation and that you have personal preparedness,” said Duczek. About 120 fires are burning across B.C., with 90 listed as out of control as a result of the hot, dry weather. Roughly 8,000 people have been ordered to evacuate in the province, while another 7,300 are under an evacuation alert. “Emergency support services are available to anyone who needs help during an evacuation to meet their basic needs, including accommodation, food and clothing,” said B.C. Minister of Emergency Management Kelly Greene. Fire crews are continuing to battle the Matthew Creek wildfire west of Kimberley. The fire has grown to 1,715 hectares in size since being discovered on July 18. An evacuation alert remains in place for 66 properties in the St. Mary Lake area due to the Tower Creek fires. The 391-hectare wildfire of note was discovered on July 17.
