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UPDATE: Octopus Creek wildfire now classified as held

(UPDATE: Aug. 28 @ 7 pm) – The Octopus Creek wildfire is now considered to be held at 22,049 hectares.

BC Wildfire Service explains “that sufficient suppression action has been taken that the fire is not likely to spread beyond its boundaries under the current and forecasted conditions.”

The lightning-caused fire originated 11 kilometres south of the community of Fauquier on July 11.

The evacuation alert for Fauquier and Applegrove was removed on Aug.24.

There are 30 firefighters, two pieces of heavy equipment and one helicopter assigned to the fire today.

The incident management team will return home once they finalize objectives for the fire.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS

According to BCWS, increased humidity and cooler temperatures continue to be observed across the area of this fire.

Crews are demobilizing equipment from secured lines and suppressing any hotspots they find.

On the northern flank, crews are patrolling, demobilizing equipment and finalizing a sprinkler system near the Hart Creek drainage.

Today, crews are expected to complete a 50 foot black-line that will support a fire guard in the southeast corner of the fire.

A 10 foot black-line is still being established in the southern flank near the Gladstone FSR while crews secure safe access to the lakeshore.

At this time, structural protection is still set up in the Two Bit Creek area.


(UPDATE: Aug. 27 @ 11:55 am) - The Octopus Creek wildfire on the east side of Lower Arrow Lake remains at 22,049 hectares and, like many other BC wildfires, is seeing more favourable weather conditions of late.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, the fire saw 10 millimetres of rain overnight and today is expected to bring cloudy skies and a 60% change of more rain, up to 3 mm.

The agency said the overnight rainfall greatly bolstered suppression efforts.

"Crews continue to demobilize secured line where possible and continue to suppress hot spots that have been identified, by an infrared scan, in both the north and south parts of the fire," explained a BCWS update.

"On the north side of the fire, crews are patrolling the entire division to begin the demobilization process and return unused gear."

The BCWS added that the sprinkler system installation in the Hart Creek area should be completed today, as will the 50-foot backline on the northeast guard.

A 10-foot backline on the south flank of the fire continues to be worked on and crews are making good progress on that task.

"A blackline is used to ensure there are no unburned material between a control line and the fires edge," explained the BCWS.

"In this case, blacklining is done in heavy fuels next to a control line to reduce chances for spotting across the control line."

At this time, there are 36 firefighters, two pieces of heavy equipment and a helicopter assigned to this fire.

Most evacuation orders and alerts have been rescinded, but there is one alert still in effect on the south side of the fire through the Regional District of Central Kootenay.


(UPDATE: Aug. 25 @ 6:20 pm) – BC Wildfire Service explains that more accurate mapping of the Octopus Creek wildfire is due to improved visibility.

The fire is estimated at 22,049 hectares – 923 hectares smaller than what was previously estimated.

According to BCWS a weather ridge “brought warmer, drier and more stable conditions on Tuesday [and] a mild southwesterly flow Wednesday bringing a high of 20ºC.”

As a result, areas where rank one and two behaviour was reported there was an increase in fire behaviour due to fire fuels drying.

There are 50 firefighters, five pieces of heavy equipment and one helicopter on site today.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS</who> The wildfire burning on Aug.19

On the northern flanks, firefighters and helicopters continue to hold the fire on the south side of Hart Creek.

Crews also continue to push the 50 foot black line towards the northeast guard they have established.

Structural protection equipment has been fully demobilized in Fauquier.

The control line from Sunshine Creek to the previously burned area near Deer park is now complete.

A hand guard from Sunshine Creek to the Gladstone FSR has also been completed.

The properties and structures near the Two Bit Creek area still have structural protection although they continue to not be immediately threatened.

There has been no change to the "all clear" status for Fauquier and Applegrove.


(UPDATE: Aug. 24 @ 1:20 pm) – The Regional District of Central Kootenay has removed the evacuation alert for 170 properties in the area around the two communities, effective at 9 am today.

However, an evacuation alert remains in place for four properties and two recreation sites between Pebble Beach and Twobit Creek on the southern flank of the fire.

Structures in the Twobit Creek area continue to not be immediately threatened and structural protection is ongoing.

BCWS has confirmed that the risk of the fire has diminished.

“In the south, precipitation and downturn in weather continues to reduce fire behaviour and slow fire progression. Fire behaviour in the south is rank 1 and 2 for the third day in a row.”

BCWS still estimates the fire at 22,972 hectares.

However, the agency is forecasting a high of 16ºC, clouds and/or fog with a low of 5ºC tonight.

There are 47 firefighters, seven pieces of heavy equipment and one helicopter on scene.

Crews continue to demobilize a secured containment line and extinguish hot spots.

The fire continues to be held on the south side of the Hart Creek drainage area.

“Direct attack on the fire’s edge is continuing along the Pin Road, pushing a 50-foot black line up to Heart (sic) Creek and the northeast guard.”

Crews are also working to establish containment in the upper part of Hart Creek.


(UPDATE: Aug. 23 @ 4:40 pm) – The Octopus Creek wildfire is still estimated at 22,972 hectares.

However, BCWS is reporting that “in the past 36 hours, south Octopus has received 15 millimetres of precipitation.”

The rainfall has helped reduce fire behaviour and slowed its movement.

There are 68 firefighters, 11 pieces of heavy equipment and one helicopter on scene today.

On the northern flank, crews continue to hold the fire south of Hart Creek drainage area to protect Fauquier.

BCWS explains that “direct attack on the fire’s edge is continuing along the Pin Road, pushing a 50-foot black line up to Heart [sic] Creek and the northeast guard.”

Structural protection specialists continue to monitor and expand systems as needed in Fauquier.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS

According to BCWS the southern flank of the fire is showing rank one and two behaviour for the second day in a row.

The fire guard from Sunshine Creek to Deer Park, where an old fire burned, is still being built.

Another guard in the Sunshine Creek is also still being constructed and it will run from Arrow Lake to Gladstone FSR.

Properties in the Two Bit Creek area are not immediately threatened by the fire but structural protection equipment will remain set up.


(UPDATE: Aug. 21 @ 6:30 pm) – The Octopus Creek wildfire has grown an estimated 273 hectares as BCWS maps the fire at 22,972 hectares.

The fire was recorded at 22,699 hectares on Wednesday, Aug.18.

There are 64 firefighters, 13 pieces of heavy equipment and three helicopters working on the fire today.

BCWS forecasts a mainly cloudy day with a high of 21ºC with a chance of showers or thundershowers this afternoon.

Crews assigned to the north side of the fire continue to hold the perimeter to protect Fauquier.

Direct attack operations are ongoing along Pin Road as crews push a 50 foot black line up to the Hart Creek area.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS</who> The Octopus Creek wildfire on Aug.19

Rank two and three fire behaviour has been observed on the southern flank as BCWS explains that this area “has received substantially less rainfall than other areas.”

Crews successfully completed building two helipads and access points so they can better access the southern flank.

A fire guard has been implemented from Sunshine Creek to a natural fuel break in the Deer Park area to protect communities near the Two Bit Creek drainage area.

Structural protection has been set up on infrastructure in the area.

Today’s update finished by explaining that the fire has moved into “difficult terrain with limited escape route options and extensive amounts of line.”

The evacuation alert issued by the Regional District of Central Kootenay remains in effect.


(UPDATE: Aug. 18 @ 10:20 am) - The Octopus Creek wildfire, on the east side of Lower Arrow Lake, has grown to 22,699 hectares.

The focus for firefighters, heavy equipment and aerial support continues to be holding the north side of the fire, on the south side of the Hart Creek drainage, to protect the community of Fauquier.

"A structure protection unit is working in Fauquier to strengthen the set up," explained the BC Wildfire Service's latest update.

While there's been minimal growth to the north, the same can't be said for the south and east flanks of the fire, where growth has been reported early this week.

A new evacuation alert remains in place from the Regional District of Central Kootenay for four properties and two recreation sites between Pebble Beach and Twobit Creek.

Fauquier remains under an evacuation alert as well, but the evacuation order that was previously affecting the town has been rescinded for nearly 10 days now.

There are currently 48 firefighters, two pieces of heavy equipment and one helicopter assigned to this fire.


(UPDATE: Aug. 17 @ 12 pm ) – The Octopus Creek wildfire was discovered July 11 and originate approximately 11km south of the community of Fauquier.

The lightning-caused wildfire has grown an estimated 864 hectares since Sunday.

It was last recorded at 20,223 hectares, today it is estimated to be burning at 21,097 hectares.

Today, the Regional District of Central Kootenay issued an evacuation alert for four properties and two recreation sites between Pebble Beach and Twobit Creek.

<who> Photo Credit: Regional District of Central Kootenay

There was minimal growth observed in the northern flank on Monday, Aug. 16.

However, increased fire activity was observed on the southern flank yesterday which prompted the evacuation alert.

There are 48 firefighters, one helicopter and two pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this fire.

Crews continue to protect the Fauquier by holding the north side of the wildfire which is located on the south side of the Hart Creek drainage.

Structural protection personnel are working in Fauquier today to strengthen the protection equipment.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS</who> Octopus Creek wildfire on the right and Michaud Creek wildfire on the left.

BC Wildfire Service reports that “the fire grew eastward and south due to shifting winds up both the Hutchison and Gladstone Creek drainages.”

Smoke continues to be highly visible from the communities of Renata, Edgewood and Fauquier.

BCWS is forecasting cooler temperatures for the area with a high of 16ºC and 50% humidity and “southwest to northwest winds 10-20 km/h gusting up to 60 km/h.”

These weather conditions are expected to help lower fire behaviour over the next few days.

<who> Photo Credit: BCWS</who> View of Octopus Creek wildfire on Aug.15


(UPDATE: Aug. 15 @ 8:30 pm) – The Octopus Creek wildfire, which originated 11km south of Fauquier, continues to burn at 20,233 hectares.

There are 31 firefighters, one helicopter and two pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this fire today.

BC Wildfire Service experienced a high of 28ºC with 22% humidity and “strong” southwest winds of 15-22 km/h and gusts up to 35-48km/h.

The agency is expecting the wildfire to grow over the next few days due to the hot weather and winds.

“Smoke in the community of Nakusp and surrounding areas has increased due to fires burning in the northwest.”

<who> Photo Credit: BC Wildfire dashboard

Crews continued to work on the north side of the fire to expand and reinforce control lines.

Rank two and three fire behaviour was observed on the north and north east side on Saturday.

“Control lines were tested and the fire crossed over a portion of line on the northeast side near the Heart Creek drainage,” BCWS explains.

Today, crews worked to secure this excursion.

Rank three and four fire behaviour was reported in the southern flank of the fire that also tested control lines.

The fire also crossed a portion of this line and crews worked to ensure this excursion did not grow.


(UPDATE: Aug. 11 @ 4:20 pm) – The Octopus Creek wildfire has grown to 20,233 hectares.

The lightning-caused fire originated 11 kilometres south of the community of Fauquier.

There are 15 firefighters, two helicopters and three pieces of heavy equipment assigned to this fire today.

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports that visibility has improved enough for water bombers to assist ground crews.

However, the agency is predicting that smoke “is likely to increase with the hot and dry conditions that are predicted to continue throughout the week.”

Today, the area will see “a high of 26ºC and 30% relative humidity with winds north or northwest at 101-8 km/h.”

If conditions remain favourable, crews will engage in ignition operations tomorrow.

This will reinforce guards and establish more control lines.

Smoke will be visible in surrounding communities and Highway 6.

Crews on the northern flank of the fire continue to reinforce control lines to protect Fauquier.

The evacuation alert issued by the Regional District of Central Kootenay for properties from Fauquier to Applegrove remains in effect.

<who> Photo Credit: BC Wildfire Service


(UPDATE: Aug. 9 @ 3:30 pm) - The BC Wildfire Service now estimates the Octopus Creek wildfire to be 19,292 hectares in size.

On Sunday, the Regional District of Central Kootenay rescinded evacuation orders for 168 properties in the area from Fauquier to Applegrove.

All of those properties remain on evacuation alert due to the fire that is out of control east of Lower Arrow Lake.

There was between 15-30 millimetres of rain in the area on Sunday, which was a welcome sight for crews.

"Direct suppression is very effective under these conditions and will continue to be for the next few days," explained a BCWS update.

"Today, temperatures begin to warm, and the smoke is likely to start seeping back into the area mid-week."

While the recent showers have dampened the forest ground cover, fuels remain dry due to a lack of significant precipitation.

The BCWS currently has 14 firefighters, three pieces of heavy equipment and one helicopter assigned to this fire.


(UPDATE: Aug. 7 @ 4 pm) – The Octopus Creek wildfire, located 11 kilometres south of Fauquier, is burning at 18,447 hectares.

There are 39 firefighters, four helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment working on site today.

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) explains that the fire experienced increased activity on Friday as the winds picked up and smoke began to clear.

“Crews observed vigorous surface fire on the forest floor with individual trees and small clusters of trees igniting. Growth was reported on all areas of the fire.”

Crews are expecting much of the same activity today due to the “extreme” dryness of the forest.

BCWS is also reporting that this fire was showing rank two to three behaviour yesterday.

<who> Photo Credit: BC Wildfire dashboard

Crews continue to reinforce control lines to protect Fauquier.

Yesterday, due to the wind, crews were unable to engage in ignition operations on the north and northwest flanks.

If conditions allow, crews may engage in hand ignition operations today.

Crews continue to establish control lines on the eastern side of the fire near Koch Creek.

“The fire is visible from Edgewood, Fauquier, Needles and surrounding areas,” notes BCWS.

The Regional District of Central Kootenay reduced an evacuation order to an alert for the area of Applegrove.

<who> Photo Credit: Regional District of Central Kootenay


(UPDATE: Aug. 3 @ 9:30 am) - The Octopus Creek wildfire saw a bit of precipitation over the long weekend, but only enough to affect surface fuels, the BC Wildfire Service said.

The larger fuels and deep soil remain highly combustible and would need "significant rainfall" to become less burnable.

At this point, the fire is an estimated 18,337 hectares and there are 82 firefighters, 12 pieces of heavy equipment and five helicopters assigned to the blaze.

A 15-person incident management team from Alberta is established in Nakusp to manage the Arrow Lake Complex, which includes the Octopus Creek, Michaud Creek and Renata Creek wildfires.


The north flank of the fire remains a top priority for crews, who have been building a control line to protect the community of Fauquier.

Crews are making good progress clearing burnable vegetation with hand ignitions and extinguishing hot spots on control lines.

As the fire slowly creeps toward the control lines, crews and equipment continue to reinforce the guard and new guards will be installed by heavy equipment once priority lines are set.

Evacuation orders and alerts remain in place for the Octopus Creek wildfire, which you can learn more about on the Regional District of Central Kootenay website.


(UPDATE: July 28 @ 11:44 am): The Octopus Creek wildfire has grown again.

BC Wildfire Service said in its most recent update that the fire is estimated to be 16,930 hectares.

The agency said that wildfire smoke has been impeding attempts to use aircraft at the site because of concerns for the safety of pilots.

"Air tankers will be utilized to support wildfire operations when visibility allows safe operations with the aircraft," BCWS explained.

The agency also warned about the potential for future growth.

<who> Photo credit: RDCK </who> The latest area restriction map.

"Local topography may cause some areas of the wildfire to experience greater fire behaviour, which could cause the wildfire to grow," BCWS said.

"Be aware that these conditions could change rapidly and fire behaviour could increase suddenly."

Firefighters are working to build and reinforce containment lines in areas near structures.

Direct attacks will also continue "where possible," BCWS said.

Planned ignitions are also being used.

See the latest evacuation information here.

In an update just before noon today, BCWS said it had 48 firefighters, four helicopters and nine pieces of heavy equipment at the fire.


(UPDATE: July 26 @ 1:16 pm): The Octopus Creek wildfire has grown again.

It's now up to 14,238 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service said the fire, which was caused by lightning, remains out of control.

BCWS said crews are focusing on establishing and reinforcing containment lines in priority areas – mostly near buildings.

"Direct attack on the wildfire will also continue where possible," the agency said, adding that firefighters on the north flank are trying to "shift" the wildfire away from the community.

"Structure protection was established early on and is maintained and monitored by dedicated firefighters on properties that are threatened," BCWS explained.

BCWS said 48 firefighters, one helicopter and nine pieces of heavy equipment are working on the fire.

See the latest evacuation information here.


(UPDATE: July 25 @ 5:30 pm): The Octopus Creek wildfire continues to grow and has more than doubled in size.

According to the BCWS, the blaze now sits at 11,444 hectares. It is still classified as out of control.

"Aggressive fire behaviour continues to be observed, though has reduced compared to previous days due to lighter winds and slightly cooler temperatures. The fire has backed down to the shores on Lower Arrow Lake and is very visible from Edgewood, Fauquier, Needles and surrounding areas."

A total of 21 firefighters and four pieces of heavy equipment are on scene today.

"Crews are working to establish guard lines around the community of Fauquier and other priority areas. Heavy smoke is impeding air support operations. Structure protection has been mobilized to Fauquier."

"A 15-person Incident Management Team is now managing this fire, which is part of the Arrow Lake Complex."

NowMedia will update the story when more information is available.


(UPDATE: July 22 @ 12 pm): The Octopus Creek wildfire has grown to 4,200 hectares.

BC Wildfire Service said the fire continues to display "aggressive fire behaviour" and has expanded on its north, east and west flanks.

"Strong winds are expected to continue today and keep driving aggressive fire behaviour in the interior, southern interior, and southeast region of the province," BCWS added.

"These winds will begin to diminish over the coming days."

The evacuation order for Fauquier remains in place, while a separate order was issued for Edgewood and Needles yesterday.

BCWS said the fire, which was caused by lightning, remains out of control.

In the latest update from the agency, 21 firefighters were listed as working the fire.

That's alongside two helicopters and three pieces of heavy equipment.

"Ground crews and an industry-led strike team continues to establish control lines around the town of Fauquier," BCWS explained.

"Structure protection specialists have mobilized structure protection units to the town of Fauquier and a mass water delivery system is now on location."


(Original story: July 21 @ 7 am): The community of Fauquier has been issued with an evacuation order as the Octopus Creek wildfire continues to grow.

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the fire, which began on July 14, is now up to 2,940 hectares.

Late last night, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) upgraded an evacuation alert for the community to an order.

The order affects 168 properties.

<who> Photo credit: RDCK

See a map here.

Residents under evacuation order are required to leave their homes immediately and head to the Nakusp & District Sports Complex (200 8th Ave NW, Nakusp) or register online with Emergency Support Services (ESS) at ess.gov.bc.ca/.

Those who can are urged to stay with friends and family.

ESS said it may not be able to accommodate pets.

In its latest update on the Octopus Creek wildfire, BCWS said it remained out of control.

<who> Photo credit: BCWS

It was caused by lightning.

BCWS added: “Elevated winds paired with extremely dry fuels [have] significantly increased the fire activity and rate of spread on the Octopus Creek wildfire.”

The agency does not list the blaze as an interface fire, however.

It most recently had five firefighters at the scene, but added: “The majority of BC Wildfire Service crews were forced to pull off the fire because of the significant safety risk posed by aggressive fire activity.”

The nearby Michaud Creek wildfire, meanwhile, is now at 2,670 hectares.



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