Incident Management Team deployed as Mine Creek fire grows in size

The BC Wildfire Service says the Mine Creek wildfire north of Hope is now estimated to be around 30-square kilometres in size.

It’s down slightly from the previous estimate of 41 square kilometres, as crews were able to accurately map the fire perimeter thanks to lower fire behaviour and better visibility.

“Fire behaviour observed today is Rank 2 (low vigour surface fire) with pockets of Rank 3 (moderately vigorous surface fire), along all flanks of the fire,” an update from the BC Wildfire Service said. “As the inversion lifts, increased fire behaviour and fire growth are expected.”

“Isolated thunderstorms with the potential for dry lightning are forecast in the vicinity of the fire this afternoon. Thunderstorms can come with variable, erratic winds and strong wind gusts.”

An Incident Management Team has been assigned to this lightning-caused fire, and there are 41 firefighting personnel and seven helicopters responding Saturday.

“Crews continue to secure the Coquihalla Highway corridor, assisted by danger tree assessors and fallers, and aviation resources,” the update added. “Crews are conducting direct attack on the east side of the highway corridor and working to establish control lines along the northern flank of the fire.”

“Heavy equipment is incoming, they will be constructing control lines along the north and south flanks on the east side of the fire.”

The BC Wildfire Service also said aircraft crews are supporting the work of the colleagues on the ground when visibility permits.

“Heavy lift helicopters bucketing and helping secure the fire perimeter along the highway and the north and south flanks of the fire,” the update added. “Today, our heavy lift helicopters are bucketing along the southwest flank to bring down fire behaviour and slow spread.”

The BC Wildfire Service also said structure protection has been established along the highway corridor which remains which open with a travel advisory near the Coquihalla Summit.

“Be prepared for hazards including reduced visibility due to wildfire smoke, intermittent lane closures and crews working,” an earlier update from the BC Wildfire Service said. “For the safety of our first responders and the traveling public, drive with caution and do not stop in the area.”

“The Ministry of Transportation and Transit has also closed nearby exits and washroom facilities.”

Evacuation orders and alerts issued by the Thompson-Nicola and the Fraser Valley regional districts remain in place.

You can find the latest updates on the Mine Creek wildfire here.