British Columbia experiences 46 new wildfires over two days

British Columbia’s Southeast Fire Centre has responded to 46 new fires since Thursday, almost all of which are believed to be lightning-caused, the provincial Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations reported.

As of Monday morning, the Testalinden Creek fire south of Oliver was 1,600 hectares and the Wilson’s Mountain Road fire north of Oliver was 317 hectares, the ministry said. Between the two, they have resulted in the evacuation of 371 homes and have destroyed two structures.

The ministry said in a statement on Saturday that crews are responding to the new incidents in order of priority, “with the protection of life and property being the main objectives.”

“Due to the quick response of BC Wildfire Service crews and the support of airtankers, helicopters and the BC Wildfire Service’s partners in the private-contracting community, most of these new fires have remained small,” the statement said. “Currently no new fires are immediately threatening any communities or structures.”

Among the new fires:

• An 820-hectare fire in the remote Deer Park area, 35 kilometres northeast of Castlegar;

• The Midgley Mountain fire, formerly called Topaz Mountain, is currently estimated at 600 hectares. A 20-person BC Wildfire Service sustained action crew is on site, as well as two officers and two helicopters. This fire is highly visible from the community of Creston; and

• The Paulson Pass fire is currently estimated at 20 hectares. A four-person BC Wildfire Service Initial Attack crew is on site, as well as a helicopter. This fire is located north of Highway 3, which remains open.

Hundreds of people in the communities of Oliver and Midway were evacuated overnight Sunday, the ministry reported. “Some people only had minutes to leave their homes or campsites, many with only the clothes on their backs,” B.C. Premier Christy Clark said in the statement.

Farmers affected by wildfire may be eligible for compensation for losses through Production Insurance, AgriStability or AgriInvest.