The situation around the wildfires near the ʔaq̓am community is constantly evolving. We will continue to update the situation by providing you with the latest information below:
BC Wildfire Service releases new estimate on wildfire (added Tuesday, July 18 at 11:50 a.m.)
The latest update from the BC Wildfire Service has the fire estimated at 800 hectares in size.
There are currently three Initial Attack crews and two Unit Crews responding to this wildfire.
Aviation resources, including a skimmer group are on scene and heavy equipment operated through the night to support containment efforts.
Minster of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma says the fire has already destroyed some structures since igniting on Monday.
“The people of ʔaq̓am First Nation were evacuated [Monday] due to the St Mary’s Wildfire, and homes and other buildings were lost,” says Ma. “This is a tragic situation, and I am thinking of the people of ʔaq̓am First Nation.”
Structure protection units are mobilized and planning is underway.
Evacuation Order
An evacuation order is in effect for 52 homes in the ʔaq̓am community due to a pair of nearby wildfires that sparked Monday.
All homes on Mission Road and Mission Wasa Low Road were placed on Evacuation Order Monday.
The fire was sparked by downed power lines and driven by heavy winds.
Ground crews are actioning the fire while air tankers and helicopters were also brought in for additional support Monday.
Evacuation Alert
An evacuation alert is also in effect around the St Mary River Wildfire.
The RDEK released an update in the early morning hours Tuesday, adding 11 additional dwellings to the alert.
The alert includes 43 dwellings along LD Ranch Road near Cherry Creek, Buckman Road near Fort Steele and Fort Steele Heritage Town.
Residents with livestock or large animals within the alert area are encouraged to find a place to relocate their animals.
Anyone with boats or recreational vehicles should also move them during the alert stage.
ʔaq̓am Community Support (updated Wednesday, July 19 at 11:20 a.m.)
Support continues to be provided to residents of the ʔaq̓am community as a wildfire continues to burn nearby.
A statement released by ʔaq̓am says an emergency operations centre is activated to support the individuals evacuated at the Dan Joe Memorial Gymnasium.
Support from the Regional District of East Kootenay and Red Cross is available.
ʔaq̓am staff are asking the public and community to refrain from visiting the area while the evacuation order is in effect.
Donations of various items are being accepted at the Dan Joe Memorial Gymnasium by the Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services Society. More details about donation efforts can be found here.
Staff with the ʔaq̓am community warn there are no active online fundraisers in place in connection to the community. You can find out more about that warning here.
Water Skimmers Warning (Added Wednesday, July 19 at 7:45 am)
Aircrafts have been highly visible in Cranbrook in their efforts to battle the blaze near the ʔaq̓am community.
Skimmers are drawing water from Moyie Lake to battle the St Mary River wildfire.
Those operating boats or other water craft on Moyie Lake are asked to give BC Wildfire Service helicopters and skimmers plenty of room to operate.
The BC Wildfire Service says the aircrafts require a large area on the lake to operate safely and any watercraft can obstruct operations which can force them to divert.
This can have a significant impact on fire response if these aircraft can’t operate efficiently due to public interference.
Road Closure
Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting is advising residents that Wasa Mission Lower Road is closed due to the active wildfire.
Access to the LD Ranch Road remains available.
Power Outage (Updated Wednesday, July 19 at 5:25 a.m.)
BC Hydro is also trying to address a power outage caused by the downed power lines east of Mission Wycliffe Road.
A total of 376 customers are affected. While BC Hydro is working to restore service, it is unknown when it will be restored.
Efforts From Local Fire Departments (added Wednesday, July 19 at 6:10 a.m.)
Both the Cranbrook and Kimberley Fire Department are providing their support to the BC Wildfire Service in battling the blaze.
Cranbrook Fire have been working with wildfire service crews on structure defense and structure protection.
The Kimberley Fire Department also arrived on scene yesterday to support structure defense efforts by taking over the night operations.
As a precautionary measure, structure protection assessments are ongoing in areas under evacuation alert.
CPKC has activated a wildfire suppression train in response to the blaze.
They have completed structure protection on a key bridge in the area of the wildfire.
Top Crop Garden Farm and Pet Support
Local retailer Top Crop Garden Farm and Pet is trying to organize support for anyone trying to relocate their livestock.
Top Crop is organizing two lists for anyone needing places for livestock and anyone who can help take livestock.
If you need support or can provide support for animals at this time, call the store at 250-489-4555.
Fort Steele Update
Fort Steele Heritage Town has announced via social media that the local tourist attraction will be closed Tuesday due to the power outage and wildfire in the surrounding area.
Canadian Rockies International Airport Update
All flights have resumed at Canadian Rockies International Airport.
The flights were initially cancelled Monday due to the wildfire and air tanker activity.
Air tanker activity has concluded and the airspace reopened to all aircraft Monday night.
Be sure to check with your airline ahead of time to confirm your flights are on time if you are travelling over the next couple of days.
– Bowinn Ma – Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
(Graphic credit: BC Wildfire Service)
(Photo credit: BC Wildfire Service)
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