Wildfire season extends into fall as crews battle two blazes in British Columbia’s southern interior

Hot, dry conditions have pushed the wildfire season into the fall, with fire crews battling two new wildfires in the southern interior of British Columbia.

The Gilpin Grasslands Park Fire, just east of Grand Forks, broke out on Sunday and is believed to be human-caused. Despite strong winds, there was no significant growth overnight.

“The Gilpin Grasslands Park wildfire is currently estimated at 170 hectares,” said Kim Wright, chief information officer for the Southeast Fire Center.

« Relative humidity is low and we are seeing continued winds, so the fire is very active and very visible from surrounding communities and Highway 3. But it hasn’t challenged those containment lines or the planned containment lines. »

On Tuesday, two helicopters, four pieces of heavy machinery and 37 firefighters were battling the blaze.

“These crews and resources will continue to work today on containment lines and establishment of water systems. Traffic control is no longer in the area but available if we need it,” said said Wright.

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Fire breaks out 15 kilometers north of Keremeos Creek wildfire

Meanwhile, crews in West Kelowna are also battling a new wildfire. The fire, nicknamed McDougall Creek, broke out Tuesday morning and is classified as out of control.

The fire does not threaten any structures and a helicopter is supporting firefighting efforts.

« The McDougall Creek wildfire is currently estimated at 1.1 hectares, » said Melanie Bibeau, Kamloops Fire Center Information Officer.

“Fire is currently displaying rank two and three fire behavior. This means that there are organized and unorganized flame front areas with slow to moderate flame spread.

With warmer than normal fall weather and no rain in the immediate forecast, BC Wildfire says wildfire season is far from over.

« The drought conditions can be attributed to the warmer seasonal temperatures and below average rainfall we’ve been experiencing, » Bibeau said.

« Many areas of British Columbia have set temperature records over the past few weeks and accumulated precipitation amounts through September were below the normal levels we typically see at this time of year. »

Fire activity in the area is expected to continue until there is significant rainfall or snowfall.

“With most of the province experiencing these above normal drought conditions, we urge people to exercise caution and remain vigilant to prevent any man-made fires while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors,” said said Bibeau.

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Falling fire trend forecast for September: BC Wildfire Service