Weather Brings Relief to B.C. Wildfire Fight Amid New Evacuation Orders and Alerts in Southeast
The BC Wildfire Service reports that favorable weather conditions, including rain, light winds, and cooler temperatures, are expected to reduce fire activity in British Columbia this week. However, a newly discovered wildfire in the East Kootenays has triggered an evacuation order and alerts for over 50 properties.
According to the BC Wildfire Service’s situational update on Tuesday, a cold front is moving across the Kamloops and Southeast Fire Centres, bringing with it shifting winds, cooler temperatures, and potential thunderstorms. Rain is also forecasted for the Peace region, which could aid in firefighting efforts.
The new fire, detected on Monday in the Southeast Fire Centre, is burning near the community of Baynes Lake, approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Cranbrook. The blaze has grown to about four hectares and is currently classified as out of control.
The Regional District of East Kootenay has issued a “tactical evacuation” for the Baynes Lake area, affecting 14 properties under evacuation order and placing 38 others on evacuation alert.
This fire is one of about 220 active wildfires burning across the province as of Tuesday. While the majority of these fires—about 90 percent—were caused by lightning, officials have confirmed that the Kikomun wildfire near Baynes Lake was human-caused.
With a record-setting wildfire season still fresh in memory, concerns are growing over the ongoing threat of wildfires in Canada, ranging from deteriorating air quality to the emergence of so-called “zombie fires.”
Source: Canadian Press
