(UPDATE: Sept. 15 @ 4:40 pm) - BCWS confirms that the almost 11,000-hectare wildfire burning in E.C Manning Park is now considered ‘Being Held’.
The fire that has been straddling the Canadian and US border since Aug. 21 will no longer be considered a wildfire of note.
This means that under the forecasted conditions and with the resources assigned, it is not expected to spread beyond its current boundaries.
The evacuation orders and alerts that were associated with these fires have been rescinded. The public should continue to use caution and care when driving through any area where there are active wildfires #BCwildfire pic.twitter.com/DC9zp56Cvo
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 15, 2022
The estimated fire size remains 10,901 hectares, which includes the portion burning in the United States but approximately 6,000 hectares are burning in Canada which has not seen any growth since yesterday.
Evacuation alerts and orders put into effect by the RDOS have since been rescinded, but a number of trails and facilities within E.C Manning are still under alerts and orders issued by BC Parks.
“We will continue actioning these fires and liaising with nearby communities, BC Parks, local governments and other agencies as required,” said BCWS in a Facebook post.
“The public should continue to use caution and care when driving through any area where there are active wildfires.
(UPDATE: Sept. 14 @ 12 pm) – After about a week, an evacuation alert has been removed for 180 properties near Eastgate.
The evacuation alert was issued on Sept. 6 due to the Heather Lake wildfire that is burning near Manning Park.
Although the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has cancelled their evacuation alert, orders and alerts issued by BC Parks on Sept. 3 remain in effect.
According to the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service, the wildfire continues to be estimated at 10,903 hectares.
There are about 5,440 hectares burning on the Canadian side of the border.
The BCWS is expecting cooler temperatures and continued showers in the area this week, which is expected to reduce fire activity and smoke.
Crews continue to monitor and patrol the Manning Park Resort and Highway 3, both of which are not immediately threatened by the wildfire.
(UPDATE: Sept. 13 @ 9:37 am) – The Heather Lake wildfire continues to burn out of control at an estimated 10,903 hectares.
In the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service, approximately 5,984 hectares are burning in Canada.
This is an increase of around 545 hectares from Monday.
The Heather Lake wildfire is one of four fires causing widespread smoke across the province. Along with larger fires burning south of the US-Canada border, most of the southern half of BC is under an air quality advisory.
Smoke and haze are visible throughout much of B.C. today. This smoke is being produced by larger wildfires burning in the province, including in Manning Park, #Hope, #HudsonsHope and near Kaslo. There are also significant wildfires burning in western Washington and Oregon. pic.twitter.com/tahU1JXeJi
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 13, 2022
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is recommending that anyone with pre-existing health conditions stay indoors and reduce activities outdoors if possible.
An evacuation alert for the community of Eastgate remains in place at this time.
However, BCWS is expecting cooler temperatures and light showers in the area of EC Manning Provincial Park and along Highway 3.
There are eight firefighters, five helicopters and one piece of heavy equipment.
“Wildfire crews will be utilized to protect identified values and support necessary strategies and tactics as required,” explains the BCWS.
“Structure protection personnel are currently assessing and triaging structures and installing equipment to protect values.”
The fire continues to burn about five kilometres southeast of Manning Park Resort.
Although the fire continues to burn near Hwy 3 and cause heavy smoke along the passage, no closures have happened.
The BCWS continues to work with the province and monitor the highway to prepare for any possible closures.
(UPDATE: Sept. 12 @ 8:50 am) – More growth has been recorded on the Heather Lake wildfire, according to the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service.
The total size of the fire is estimated to be 10,358 hectares, which includes a portion burnin in the US. Approximately 5,439 hectares are burning in Canada.
However, the BCWS is expecting light showers in the area Monday afternoon which could also help reduce the heavy smoke.
The agency is anticipating the increased cloud cover and cooler temperatures to continue over the coming days.
There are eight firefighters, five helicopters and one piece of equipment on site Monday.
Crews continue to identify values that need structure protection while installing the apparatus. A water tender is also working to restock relay tanks used for crews and structure protection.
Although cooler temperatures are expected to provide some relief from the smoke, it will continue to cause visibility issues on Highway 3.
Travellers are reminded to drive with caution near Manning Park and visit DriveBC for the latest road conditions.
The evacuation alert for Eastgate remains in effect. Additional evaluations orders and alerts issued by BC Parks are also being maintained, click here for more information.
(UPDATE: Sept. 11 @ 10:55 am) – In the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service, the Heather Lake wildfire is now estimated at 8,663 hectares.
On the Canadian side of the border, the fire is estimated at 3,743 hectares.
There are 23 firefighters, five helicopters and one piece of equipment on site Sunday.
Crews continue to protect identified values within Manning Park and the surrounding area.
Increased smoke is expected to continue along Hwy 3 throughout the weekend
“Today, September 11, we could see a chance of increased fire behaviour if smoke clears,” explains the BCWS.
“An inflow with light winds from the Southeast is expected with more seasonably cooler temperatures apparent.”
Despite that inflow, conditions are expected to remain warm and dry.
As that smoke increases, drivers are urged to travel with caution and visit DriveBC for any information on closures or other conditions along Highway 3.
An evacuation alert that was issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen for 180 properties in Eastgate remains in effect.
(UPDATE: Sept. 10 @ 11:40 am) – According to the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service, the Heather Lake wildfire has not experienced any growth.
The fire remains estimated at a total of 7,000 hectares with 3,084 burning in Canada.
On Thursday, crews completed a successful planned burn along the northwest flank of the fire near Highway 3, thanks to favourable winds.
#BCWildfire Service (BCWS) continues to respond to the Heather Lake wildfire (V11746). Over the past 48 hours, fire growth has been driven by outflow winds, bringing hot and dry weather from the NE into E.C. Manning Park. Fire spread has been within projected areas of growth. pic.twitter.com/qbX88vlIF7
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 10, 2022
This removed unburnt fuel between the fire’s perimeter and highway.
So far, fire growth has happened within projected areas.
“Today, crews are working to protect timber values outside the E.C .Manning Park in the Pasayten River area,” explains the agency.
“The Incident Management Team assigned to the Heather Lake fire will continue to monitor the area burning within the provincial park, using the five helicopters assigned to the incident to protect Hwy 3 and other infrastructure as needed.”
Structure protection personnel continue to identify values and set up protection apparatus as needed.
Heavy smoke continues to impact Hwy 3 and is expected to continue over the weekend.
There are 34 firefighters, five helicopters and one piece of heavy equipment on site.
(UPDATE: Sept. 9 @ 9:20 am) - The Heather Lake wildfire continues to grow on both sides of the border.
It ballooned to 7,000 hectares in size over the past two days and 3,084 hectares of that total is burning on Canadian soil.
The fire is located in Manning Park, just south of Hwy 3, and is affecting a number of trails and facilities within the provincial park.
BC Parks has issued evacuation alerts and orders for these areas, which you can learn more about here.
"This wildfire is burning in a heavy fuel and has the potential for aggressive and rapid growth if winds and terrain align," explained the BCWS.
"We are expecting to see a continuing trend of warmer, dryer weather and increased fire behaviour for the next several days."
According to the BCWS, crews will be utilized to protect identified values and support necessary strategies and tactics as required.
Structure protection personnel are triaging structures and installing equipment to protect values, while a water tender will continue to restock relay tanks used for that purpose.
The BCWS warns that Hwy 3 will continue to see increased smoke and visibility issues over the coming weekend.
"When travelling in a wildfire area, please slow down, always remain aware of your surroundings, and respect all signage posted along the route," the service said.
There are currently 37 firefighters, eight helicopters and one piece of heavy equipment assigned to this fire, which is being overseen by an incident management team.
(UPDATE: Sept. 7 @ 11:30 am) - According to BC Wildfire Service, the Heather Lake wildfire is now estimated to be 3,800 hectares which include the portion burning in the United States.
Approximately 2,000 hectares are burning on the Canadian side of the border in E.C Manning Provincial Park which runs parallel to Hwy 3.
BC Parks has since closed a number of trails and facilities south of the Hwy, and issued evacuation orders for campgrounds in the area.
This lightning-caused wildfire is burning in heavy fuel and has the potential for aggressive and rapid growth if winds, and terrain align.
The #BCWildfire Service continues to respond to the Heather Lake wildfire (V11746), which is still burning Out of Control in the E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The portion of the fire burning in Canada is estimated at 2,000 hectares. pic.twitter.com/UWKsGyKu4O
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 7, 2022
“The dry cold front will bring a gusty westerly wind and the wind will persist overnight,” said BCWS in a release.
“We are expecting to see a continuing trend of warmer, dryer weather and increased fire behaviour for the next several days.”
Smoke is anticipated to be visible from portions of the wildfire burning in both the United States and Canada.
Wildfire crews will be utilized to protect identified values and support necessary strategies and tactics as required.
There are currently 22 firefighters, six helicopters and 1 piece of heavy equipment on the scene.
Structure protection personnel are currently assessing and triaging structures and installing equipment to protect values.
Last night an evacuation alert was issued by the RDOS for 180 properties in the community of Eastgate, along with the evacuation alert that was put in place on Sept. 3 for the Manning Park Resort.
The #BCWildfire Service continues to respond to the Heather Lake wildfire (V11746), which is still burning Out of Control in the E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The portion of the fire burning in Canada is estimated at 2,000 hectares. pic.twitter.com/UWKsGyKu4O
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 7, 2022
While Hwy 3 will continue to see increased smoke and limited visibility, the road remains open.
“When travelling in a wildfire area, please slow down, always remain aware of your surroundings, and respect all signage posted along the route,” said BCWS.
“Crews will continue to work in this area so please be cautious when travelling in active wildfire areas.”
Up-to-date information on road conditions can be found on DriveBC, and current information on the Heather Lake wildfire can be found on BCWS.
(UPDATE: Sept. 6 @ 6:50 pm) - The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation alert for the community of Eastgate due to the Health Lake wildfire.
People who live in the community should prepare to leave at a moment's notice as the wildfire begins to threaten those in the area.
The RDOS Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert for the community of Eastgate in Electoral Area H (Rural Princeton) due to the Heather Lake wildfire. https://t.co/buvrlenSwt @BCGovFireInfo pic.twitter.com/2V8N2yNWHW
— RDOS EOC (@EmergMgtRDOS) September 7, 2022
The wildfire remains approximately five kilometres southwest of Manning Park Resort and a structure protection unit is working proactively to support the defence of resort facilities.
Personnel are currently assessing and triaging structures within the park and installing equipment as appropriate to protect values, a water tender is also on scene and continues to restock relay tanks used for crews and structure protection activities.
Hwy 3 will continue to see increased smoke along with visibility issues, BCWS reminds people that when travelling in a wildfire area, please slow down, always remain aware of your surroundings, and respect all signage posted along the route.
For up-to-date information on road conditions, check DriveBC.
(UPDATE: Sept. 6 @ 9:40 am) – The BC Wildfire Service continues to respond and monitor the Heather Lake wildfire near Manning Park.
The agency says the fire grew steadily but not rapidly over the weekend and remains estimated at 1,900 hectares on the Canadian side of the border.
However, according to the latest update, the fire is approximately two kilometres south of Highway 3, five km southeast of Manning Park Resort and 10 km southwest of East Gate.
The #BCWildfire Service continues to respond to the Heather Lake Wildfire (V11746), located in E.C. Manning Park. The fire is burning in a heavy fuel and has the potential for aggressive and rapid growth if winds, and terrain align. pic.twitter.com/FU0KfH8JwZ
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 6, 2022
The resort and highway remain unaffected at this time, however, BCWS is working with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to prepare for the possibility of the fire impacting the highway.
The agency adds that heavy smoke is currently impacting highway and nearby recreation sites.
People travelling in the area are advised to drive with caution and stay up to date with wildfire conditions as any changes can result in an evacuation order or alert.
Be sure to visit DriveBC for more information.
Despite the proximity to the highway, the wildfire agency explains that the fire will be beneficial for the forest in the area.
“This fire is suspected to be naturally caused by lightning and wildfire is part of this forest’s natural life cycle,” explains the agency.
“Allowing these fires to burn promotes a healthy and resilient ecosystem and has long term benefits for plants and wildlife.”
Crews will continue to monitor the fire as structure protection personnel triage buildings within the park.
There were 22 firefighters, three helicopters and one piece of heavy equipment on site Monday.
(UPDATE: Sept. 5 @ 9:30 am) – The Heather Lake wildfire located in the E.C. Manning Park is now estimated at 1,900 hectares.
This is a significant increase from the estimate of 400 hectares reported on Sunday.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, smoke and the type of topography in the area made it challenging for crews to accurately map the fire.
The fire continues to burn in a “highly volatile fuel type” which has the potential to introduce aggressive fire behaviour in the coming days.
Highway 3 and the Manning Park Resort remain unthreatened, however, the fire is about five kilometres away from the resort.
At this time crews continue to set up structure protection and monitor the blaze.
“This wildfire is also resulting in dense smoke, especially east of Manning Park Resort,” says BC Parks.
“Wildfire crews are actively monitoring and may be working in the area. In the event of changing wildfire conditions, visitors in this park may receive limited notice to evacuate.”
Numerous evacuation orders remain in effect for trails and recreation sites in the area. For more information, click here.
The lightning-caused fire was discovered on Aug. 21 and originated in the US in the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest before it crossed the border.
(UPDATE: Sept. 4 @ 2 pm) – Crews with the BC Wildfire Service are working to protect the Manning Park Resort on Sunday from the nearby Heather Lake wildfire.
According to an update from the BCWS, the 400 hectare wildfire is about five kilometres southwest of the resort which is located off Highway 3.
On Saturday, BC Parks ordered immediate closure and issued evacuation orders for a number of trails and facilities south of Hwy 3.
“These include the Monument 78 and 83 trails, the Pacific Crest trail, the East and West Similkameen trails, the Windy Joe trail and the Frosty Mountain trail from the PCT to the Frosty Mountain junction, as well as Monument 78 and the PCT backcountry campgrounds and the Windy Joe lookout,” explains BC Parks in a public notice.
Although Manning Park Resort and the highway are not immediately threatened, a structure protection unit is working to support the defence of infrastructure.
There are 24 firefighters, four helicopters and one piece of heavy equipment on site.
“The fire is burning in a highly volatile fuel type and has potential for aggressive fire behaviour,” says the BCWS.
“Smoke, visibility, and topography make estimating the size of the Heather Lake Wildfire challenging.”
The agency is expecting an updated fire size as well as more accurate details on how much of the fire is burning Canada by the end of the day Sept. 4.
(Original story: Sept. 3 @ 2:25 pm) – The BC Wildfire Service is responding to a wildfire located in the E.C. Manning Provincial Park that was discovered at the end of August.
According to the BCWS wildfires of note page, the fire is estimated at 400 hectares and is burning out of control.
“The Heather Lake fire originated in the United States in the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest and has crossed the border into the E.C. Manning Provincial Park,” explains the agency.
“The fire is exhibiting aggressive fire behaviour and is highly visible from Highway 3.”
The #BCWildfireService is responding to the Heather Lake wildfire (V11746), that originated in the United States in the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest and has crossed the border into the E.C. Manning Provincial Park. pic.twitter.com/IvN1qlBLST
— BC Wildfire Service (@BCGovFireInfo) September 3, 2022
It is believed that the Heather Lake fire was caused by lightning.
Fortunately, this is not an interface fire and is not currently threatening any structures or the nearby highway.
The BCWS is currently working with the US Forest Service and BC Parks to manage the incident.
There is an incident management team and a structure protection unit on site.
Another wildfire also started just north of Hwy 3 in the park. The Fat Dog Creek fire is estimated at 20 hectares and is also thought to be caused by lightning.
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