Canada: Emergency crews continuing to respond to wildfires burning in British Columbia as of Aug. 18 /update 11

Event

Emergency crews are working to contain hundreds of wildfires burning in British Columbia as of Aug. 18. Forecast models indicate above-normal temperatures and dry conditions will persist across the region through at least August, which could hamper firefighting efforts. British Columbia has declared a state of emergency due to the wildfire. There were 264 wildfires across the province, including 31 wildfires of note threatening communities or highly visible, late Aug. 17. At least 7,330 properties are under evacuations orders, and 22,263 properties are under evacuation alerts. The following large wildfires continue to prompt evacuations and transport disruptions:

Sparks Lake Fire
The Sparks Lake Fire is affecting the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. The fire is approximately 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Kamloops. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 95,360 hectares (235,640 acres) in size. Around 116 personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is possible. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

Young Lake Fire
The Young Lake Fire is affecting the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. The fire is approximately 70 km (43 miles) northwest of Kamloops. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 7,453 hectares (18,417 acres) in size. Around 3 personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

Lytton Creek Complex
The Lytton Creek Complex consists of the Lytton Creek Fire, Tremont Creek Fire, Mowhokam Creek, and the George Road Fire and is affecting Thompson-Nicola Regional District and Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. The fire is approximately 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Kamloops. As of Aug. 18, the Lytton Creek Fire was about 84,327 hectares (208,376 acres) in size, while the Tremont Creek Fire was about 63,699 hectares (157,404 acres) in size. Approximately 108 personnel are battling the Lytton Creek Fire, while 62 personnel are battling the Tremont Creek Fire. Road closures and evacuation orders are in effect. For additional details, click here for information about the Lytton Creek Fire and here for information pertaining to the Tremont Creek Fire.

Mckay Creek Fire
The Mckay Creek Fire is affecting the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and Thompson-Nicola Regional District. The fire is approximately 120 km (75 miles) west of Kamloops. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 41,688 hectares (103,013 acres) in size. Around 26 fire service personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is possible. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

White Rock Lake Fire
The White Rock Lake Fire is affecting the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. The fire is approximately 50 km (31 miles) southeast of Kamloops. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 81,139 hectares (200,499 acres) in size. Officials have classified the fire as 'out of control.' Around 263 fire service personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

Thomas Creek Fire
The Thomas Creek Fire is affecting the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. The fire is approximately 60 km (37 miles) south of Kelowna. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 10,597 hectares (26,185 acres) in size. Around 73 fire service personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

Big Stick Lake Fire
The Big Stick Lake Fire is affecting the Cariboo Regional District. The fire is approximately 190 km (118 miles) west of Williams Lake. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 7,195 hectares (17,779 acres) in size. Around 52 fire service personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is possible. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

Flat Lake Fire
The Flat Lake Fire is affecting the Cariboo Regional District. The fire is approximately 80 km (50 miles) southeast of Williams Lake. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 69,320 hectares (171,293 acres) in size. Around 128 fire service personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details. For additional details, click here.

Nk'Mip Creek Fire
The Nk'Mip Creek Fire is affecting the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. The fire is approximately 90 km (56 miles) south of Kelowna. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 20,066 hectares (49,584 acres) in size. Around 215 fire service personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

Bunting Road Fire
The Bunting Road Fire is affecting the Regional District of North Okanagan. The fire is approximately 90 km (56 miles) northeast of Kelowna. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 4,734 hectares (11,698 acres) in size. Around 26 fire service personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

Garrison Lake Fire
The Garrison Lake Fire is affecting the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. The fire is approximately 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Kelowna. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 14,610 hectares (36,102 acres) in size. Around 42 fire service personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

Cutoff Creek Fire
The Cutoff Creek Fire is affecting the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako. The fire is approximately 150 km (93 miles) west of Prince George. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 31,602 hectares (78,090 acres) in size. Around 65 fire service personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

July Mountain Fire
The July Mountain Fire is affecting the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. The fire is approximately 100 km (62 miles) west of Kelowna. As of Aug. 18, the fire was about 19,660 hectares (48,580 acres) in size. Around 48 fire service personnel are battling the blaze. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Some evacuations and transport disruptions are ongoing; for details, click here.

Emergency services will almost certainly remain widely deployed in the impacted region through August to manage current and future fires. Additional evacuation orders and road closures are likely. Fires could also lead to power supply disruptions.

Advice

Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in an easily accessible "go-bag." Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.

Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.

Resources

BC Wildfire Service