B.C. fire burns in southeast, but not yet a threat to move into Alberta
By None on August 4, 2018.
Nick Kuhl Lethbridge Heraldnkuhl@lethbridgeherald.com A wildfire in southeast British Columbia has grown to 120 hectares but didn’t pose a risk of entering into Alberta, officials said Friday. The Municipal District of Pincher Creek cancelled their wildfire alert Friday morning, after initially sending it out Thursday night. “As the fire remains entirely within the province of British Columbia, this alert is being cancelled,” the MD said in a news release. “Should the situation change, a new alert will be issued.” The Wise Creek Fire, as it is being called, is being closely monitored by the municipality, the Government of Alberta and the Government of B.C. A fire growth model and assessment is currently being conducted by B.C. officials and officials from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. An Alberta fire suppression team is also on stand-by with suppression equipment should the fire enter Alberta. Trigger points are being identified and closely monitored for voluntary and mandatory evacuations, the MD said. At this time, no evacuation notices have been issued. “A reduction in the smoke thickness from the fire has been observed in parts of the MD this morning,” the Friday release said. “Winds are projected to slightly increase during the day which will most likely cause smoke to stay in higher elevations. Smoke plums will most likely be visible from multiple locations in the MD of Pincher Creek.” Alberta Parks is recommending that visitors to the Castle Region stay mobile and in close proximately to their campsites. They are also recommending that backcountry travel be postponed in the Castle Wildland and Provincial Parks. The MD says updates will be provided if and when the situation changes. Residents are encouraged to monitor official information channels to ensure accurate information. Late Thursday night, Alberta Health Services did issue a precautionary air quality advisory for southwest Alberta. AHS says although minor smoke conditions do not typically cause health concerns in healthy individuals, if smoke conditions become more severe, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath. Information about the air quality in many areas of Alberta is updated hourly on the Alberta Environment Air Quality Website: http://airquality.alberta.ca. 15-14
