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Multiple Fires Burning in Northwestern British Columbia

Monday, 12 August 2019 16:45

The Mehan Lake wildfire is currently burning approximately four kilometres sourth of Bell II.

Fires around Tagish Lake, Telegraph Creek and Bell II are keeping firefighters busy in northwestern British Columbia.

Tagish Lake Area

BC Wildfire Information Officer Carolyn Bartos says multiple firefighters are on scene to suppress the 1400-hectare Southwest Tagish Lake Fire currently burning approximately 40 kilometres away from Atlin, BC.

Bartos says while the size of the fire hasn't changed in recent days, firefighters continue to perform structure protection on  structures close to the fire.

"Today we have twelve firefighters on location. They will be looking to conduct suppression activity on the fireline that is closest to the homes and cabins in the vicinity of that wildfire. Those structures are currently receiving structure protection and are currently operating as well."

Telegraph Creek Area

Bartos says crews continue to monitor a wildfire currently burning fifty kilometres west of Telegraph Creek.

"The fire is currently burning at 2562 hectares. It's still is a monitor-only fire. However, we do have structure protection at a fish camp that is located at Tahltan Lake. That (the fish camp) is located approximately 25 kilometres northeast from where the fire is located. 

Bell Two Area

Bartos highlights while one fire is burning just kilometres away from the Cassiar Highway near Bell II, the highway connecting the Yukon and Highway 16 near Terrace remains open at this time.

"Up in the Upper Skeena, which is on the highway that goes to the  Cassiar, we do have a fire burning close to the highway. It's called the Mehan Lake Fire. It's about sixty hectares in size and we have 60 firefighters on location. It is located about four kilometres away from Bell II. Right now, we do have very highly visible smoke there.

There are currently 45 active wildfires burning in British Columbia.

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