Large wildfire closes Whiteswan Provincial Park
Posted Jul 30, 2014 4:16 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Southeast Fire Centre is responding to a wildfire near White Tail Brook, about 10 kilometres east of the village of Canal Flats in the Kootenays.
Jordan Turner with BC Wildfire Management told 660News it’s estimated at 400 hectares in size.
“Right now it’s zero per cent contained,” he said. “We have 50 firefighters, four helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment on this fire and right now we’re trying to keep it out of the valley bottoms and keep the fire on the ridge.
No structures or communities are at risk at this time but the fire is near access roads to Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park and the Lussier Hot Springs, so BC Parks has closed Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park until further notice.
The following Forest service roads leading to the area are also closed:
– Whiteswan Forest Service Road
– The main Kootenay Forest Service Road from Canal Flats up to the 34 kilometre mark
– White-Rock Forest Service Road
Turner says the fire was started by lightning and they’ve already seen some smaller fires pop up.
With hot and dry conditions forecast through next week and the potential for more thunderstorms on the long weekend, the Southeast Fire Centre is urging the public to be extra cautious in the backcountry.
If you’re heading to the area, check the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories or information on the Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
