District Offices and the Leisure Centre will be closed on Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21 to observe Easter. We hope you have a happy and safe…
Wildfire Southwest of Sparwood – Fire N12046
BC Wildfire Services Regional District of East Kootenay Air Quality Index Fire Smart Area Restriction Evacuation Notification System August 22, 20023 – Evacuation Alerts Rescinded
Evacuation Information & Resources
In the event there was an Evacuation Order enacted, impacted residents would be provided with more information on evacuation routes, reception centres and online registration resources. It is important that while in an alert stage, plans for transportation, children and pets are made as access into the Order Area would be restricted. If you are not home, store your valuables and grab and go-bags outside of the alert areas.
An Evacuation Order can be issued at any time and the priority will be to get people out of the area safely.
23.07.28_EvacOrderReminders_POSTERDownload
Find the full list of updates below
August 28, 2023 – 5:45 pm
On Monday Aug. 28, the fire found a pocket of previously unburned fuels on the north side of Matevic Creek and is showing increased smoke activity. A ground crew and helicopter are on scene working together to slow fire growth. This activity is expected at elevation on the north slope and is still well within control lines and predetermined boundaries. Increases and decreases in smoke will continue to happen intermittently over the coming weeks until this fire is classified as out.
August 24, 2023 – 12:30 pm
A ridge of high pressure over Alberta will bring generally clear conditions to the area as light northerly winds come in on Thursday. By Thursday night, leading into Friday morning, elevated northerly or easterly winds can be expected. Temperatures are forecast to rebound to the low 20s by the afternoon.
Fire Update
No growth or increased fire behaviour was observed on Wednesday.
Crews will continue to monitor the fire with aviation resources and with overnight drone scans searching for hotspots in the coming days.
Until classified as “OUT” residents can expect intermittent smoke over the coming weeks as the fire finds pockets of unburnt fuel at high elevation.
This fire is no longer considered a Wildfire of Note, and this will be the final update as of August 24, 2023.
Evacuation Orders and Alerts
As of 3:00 pm (MDT) on August 22, all evacuation alerts have been rescinded for the Lladnar Creek wildfire.
August 23, 2023 – 12:30 pm
No growth or increased fire behaviour was observed Tuesday as precipitation continued to fall in the area.
On Wednesday, crews will be in full patrol mode, with patrols occurring throughout the afternoon.
Structure protection unit numbers continue to decrease in the area as the situation stabilizes.
The safety of the public and first responders remains the top priority.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the leisure centre, please visit sprawood.recdesk.com.
August 22, 2023
The District of Sparwood and Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) have issued a joint Rescind of the Evacuation Alerts in the vicinity of the Lladnar Creek fire west of Sparwood. There are no longer any Evacuation Alerts in place for this fire.
“With the hard work from BC Wildfire crews and recent precipitation we are thankful to be able to rescind the Evacuation Alert for all properties impacted by the Lladnar Creek wildfire. The fire which began on July 21, has impacted our community for over a month and resulted in a significant number of properties within Sparwood and the RDEK being placed on Alert. We are immensely grateful to all those who have assisted with keeping the community safe, both on the front lines and behind the scenes. Knowing we were supported by BC Wildfire and teams from across the province provided our community with peace of mind in a time it was needed most,” says Sparwood Mayor, David Wilks.
Although the Alert has been lifted, the BC Wildfire Service continues to action the fire and it will remain an active work site. The Area Restriction remains in place and closed to public access.
“Even though the Alerts are rescinded, it is important that residents continue with FireSmart work. Conditions will continue to remain hot and dry over the summer and the efforts with protecting your property now will continue to be valuable in the weeks to come,” added Wilks.
The Alert rescind along with the corresponding maps can be found on the Evacuations and Alerts page under Emergency Information on www.rdek.bc.ca or at www.sparwood.ca.
To report a wildfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a mobile phone.
August 19, 2023 – 11:30 am
Gusty winds gradually diminished overnight. Fairly light northeast winds are expected today. As heavy smoke from upstream fires socked in overnight, visibility will likely be a challenge throughout the day on Saturday and could keep the temperature down, likely struggling to reach the 20-degree mark.
Overnight and through Saturday morning, this fire has exhibited minimal fire activity, mainly that of a smouldering ground fire, rank 1 fire behaviour. Control lines continue to hold. On the west and east flanks, crews are finalizing mop-up and continue to patrol. Crews are beginning to ‘demob’ equipment from areas of the fire where it is no longer required.
Structure protection crews are removing sprinklers and equipment in strategic areas as they become unnecessary.Heavy equipment and aviation resources remain engaged on this incident as required.
The safety of the public and first responders remains the top priority.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds everyone to stay out of active fire areas. This means steering well clear of ground crews and giving plenty of room to aircraft collecting water for firefighting from lakes and other water bodies. The use of drones in active wildfire areas is strictly forbidden. Interfering with firefighting operations can slow or halt those efforts to protect our communities. And it poses enormous—potentially deadly—risks to firefighters, pilots and other response personnel, and to the public.
August 18, 2023 – 9:30 pm
Strong, erratic winds are expected to continue through Friday. These winds follow days of extremely hot and dry conditions. There is the potential for aggressive fire behaviour and high rates of spread during this weather. The BC Wildfire Service has released the following video describing this weather situation in more detail: https://youtu.be/DHgrCZDgAE8
Across the Southeast Fire Centre, increased fire behaviour and smoke may be visible. People may notice firefighting crews, heavy equipment, aircraft and other personnel working to suppress these wildfires.
The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring all fires and responding as required to help ensure public safety and protection of communities, properties and other values in our region.
We ask that everyone pay attention to local updates and alerts in your area and follow all directions regarding area restrictions and evacuation alerts and orders.
The Southwest upper flow shifting to Westerly persists Friday and winds are again expected to be gusting into the 35 km/h range as the atmosphere gradually cools. Gusty winds will persist and likely shift into the northwest early evening as a trough/cold front pushes through the area, bringing a risk of a thunderstorm. In the early evening hours, the wind direction is expected to shift to a northerly direction. Elevated winds may persist for a time overnight especially at the higher elevations.
Fire Update
Fire behaviour was low on the south, east, and west slopes; however, fire behaviour was more active on the north slope, as visible smoke occurred driven by wind into pockets of unburned fuel. Despite prolonged hot, dry, windy conditions, minimal growth was observed on Friday. As expected, control lines continued to hold.
Crews continue to patrol and mop-up of the fires edge. With increased winds, all resources are prepared to respond to flare-ups to the south and east as required.
Aviation and heavy equipment remain on site to support ground crews as required. Structure protection specialists continue to monitor and patrol. The safety of the public and first responders is the top priority.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the leisure centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Area Restriction
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire. More information including a map of the restricted area is available here.
August 18, 2023 – 1:00 pm
Weather
Strong, erratic winds are expected to continue through Friday. These winds follow days of extremely hot and dry conditions. There is the potential for aggressive fire behaviour and high rates of spread during this weather. The BC Wildfire Service has released the following video describing this weather situation in more detail: https://youtu.be/DHgrCZDgAE8
Across the Southeast Fire Centre, increased fire behaviour and smoke may be visible. People may notice firefighting crews, heavy equipment, aircraft and other personnel working to suppress these wildfires.
The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring all fires and responding as required to help ensure public safety and protection of communities, properties and other values in our region.
We ask that everyone pay attention to local updates and alerts in your area and follow all directions regarding area restrictions and evacuation alerts and orders.
The Southwest upper flow shifting to Westerly persists Friday and winds are again expected to be gusting into the 35 km/h range as the atmosphere gradually cools. Gusty winds will persist and likely shift into the northwest early evening as a trough/cold front pushes through the area, bringing a risk of a thunderstorm. In the early evening hours, the wind direction is expected to shift to a northerly direction. Elevated winds may persist for a time overnight especially at the higher elevations.
Fire Update
Minimal fire activity observed overnight. All control lines held through the overnight and through the Friday morning period. Subdued fire behaviour as a result of the planned ignitions.
As elevated winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures are expected to continue today, fire behaviour is expected to become more visible to the surrounding areas, primarily in upper elevations on the north as winds are forecast to be higher at elevation than valley bottom.
Crews continue to patrol and mop-up of the fires edge. With increased winds, all resources are prepared to respond to flare-ups to the south and east as required.
Aviation and heavy equipment remain on site to support ground crews as required.
Structure protection specialists continue to monitor and patrol. The safety of the public and first responders is the top priority.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Area Restriction
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire. More information including a map of the restricted area is available here.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds everyone to stay out of active fire areas. This means steering well clear of ground crews and giving plenty of room to aircraft collecting water for firefighting from lakes and other water bodies. The use of drones in active wildfire areas is strictly forbidden. Interfering with firefighting operations can slow or halt those efforts to protect our communities. And it poses enormous—potentially deadly—risks to firefighters, pilots and other response personnel, and to the public.
August 17, 2023 – 9:42 pm
Weather
Strong, erratic winds are expected to continue overnight and into Friday. These winds follow days of extremely hot and dry conditions. There is the potential for aggressive fire behaviour and high rates of spread during this weather. The BC Wildfire Service has released the following video describing this weather situation in more detail: https://youtu.be/DHgrCZDgAE8
Across the Southeast Fire Centre, increased fire behaviour and smoke may be visible. People may notice firefighting crews, heavy equipment, aircraft and other personnel working to suppress these wildfires.
The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring all fires and responding as required to help ensure public safety and protection of communities, properties and other values in our region.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds everyone to stay out of active fire areas. This means steering well clear of ground crews and giving plenty of room to aircraft collecting water for firefighting from lakes and other water bodies. The use of drones in active wildfire areas is strictly forbidden. Interfering with firefighting operations can slow or halt those efforts to protect our communities. And it poses enormous—potentially deadly—risks to firefighters, pilots and other response personnel, and to the public.
Area restrictions are in place around a number of fires in the Southeast Fire Centre. These restrictions must be respected for the safety of our responders and members of our communities. More information on area restrictions in the Southeast Fire Centre can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions/southeast-fire-centre-bans#current
We ask that everyone pay attention to local updates and alerts in your area and follow all directions regarding area restrictions and evacuation alerts and orders.
Fire Update
Fire behaviour remained low on Thursday despite elevated winds and hot, dry conditions. Containment lines on the east and south of the fire held and the north flank did not grow significantly.
Monitoring and patrols will continue overnight with personnel available to respond if required. Winds are forecast to stay elevated overnight and into Friday.
Aviation and heavy equipment remain on site to support ground crews as required.
Increased smoke and fire behaviour, particularly to the north of the fire, is expected during periods of elevated winds. Structure protection specialists continue to monitor and patrol. The safety of the public and first responders is the top priority.
Heavy smoke in the valley is coming from large fires burning to the northwest in the Kamloops Fire Centre.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Area Restriction
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire. More information including a map of the restricted area is available here.
August 17, 2023 – 3:19 pm
Weather
Thursday brings the potential for strong winds that may continue overnight and into Friday. These forecast elevated winds follow days of extremely hot and dry conditions. There is the potential for aggressive fire behaviour and high rates of spread during this weather.
Across the Southeast Fire Centre, increased fire behaviour and smoke may be visible. People may notice firefighting crews, heavy equipment, aircraft and other personnel working to suppress these wildfires.
The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring all fires and responding as required to help ensure public safety and protection of communities, properties and other values in our region.
Updates will be posted online as information is available.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds everyone to stay out of active fire areas. This means steering well clear of ground crews and giving plenty of room to aircraft collecting water for firefighting from lakes and other water bodies. The use of drones in active wildfire areas is strictly forbidden. Interfering with firefighting operations can slow or halt those efforts to protect our communities. And it poses enormous—potentially deadly—risks to firefighters, pilots and other response personnel, and to the public.
Area restrictions are in place around a number of fires in the Southeast Fire Centre. These restrictions must be respected for the safety of our responders and members of our communities. More information on area restrictions in the Southeast Fire Centre can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions/southeast-fire-centre-bans#current
We ask that everyone pay attention to local updates and alerts in your area and follow all directions regarding area restrictions and evacuation alerts and orders.
Fire Update
Fire behaviour has remained minimal in the past day. On Wednesday, crews successfully conducted some small-scale planned ignitions on pockets of remaining fuel. Containment lines to the south and east of the fire are complete and ongoing patrols have not seen any areas of concern on the east flank for several days.
On Tuesday, the fire remained within these established containment lines despite stronger winds and increased fire behaviour.
Firefighters continue to mop up and strengthen and reinforce containment lines in anticipation of winds Thursday afternoon through Friday. Aviation and heavy equipment remain on site to support ground crews as required.
Increased smoke and fire behaviour, particularly to the north of the fire, is expected during periods of elevated winds. Crews will work overnight Thursday to Friday to monitor the fire and respond as required. Structure protection specialists continue to monitor and patrol. The safety of the public and first responders is the top priority.
Heavy smoke in the valley is coming from large fires burning to the northwest in the Kamloops Fire Centre.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Area Restriction
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire. More information including a map of the restricted area is available here.
August 16, 2023 – 10:26 pm
Weather
Thursday brings the potential for strong winds that may continue overnight and into Friday. These forecast elevated winds follow days of extremely hot and dry conditions. There is the potential for aggressive fire behaviour and high rates of spread during this weather. The BC Wildfire Service has released the following video describing this situation in more detail: https://youtu.be/DHgrCZDgAE8
Across the Southeast Fire Centre, increased fire behaviour and smoke may be visible. People may notice firefighting crews, heavy equipment, aircraft and other personnel working to suppress these wildfires.
The BC Wildfire Service is monitoring all fires and responding as required to help ensure public safety and protection of communities, properties and other values in our region.
Updates will be posted online as information is available.
The BC Wildfire Service reminds everyone to stay out of active fire areas. This means steering well clear of ground crews and giving plenty of room to aircraft collecting water for firefighting from lakes and other water bodies. The use of drones in active wildfire areas is strictly forbidden. Interfering with firefighting operations can slow or halt those efforts to protect our communities. And it poses enormous—potentially deadly—risks to firefighters, pilots and other response personnel, and to the public.
Area restrictions are in place around a number of fires in the Southeast Fire Centre. These restrictions must be respected for the safety of our responders and members of our communities. More information on area restrictions in the Southeast Fire Centre can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions/southeast-fire-centre-bans#current
We ask that everyone pay attention to local updates and alerts in your area and follow all directions regarding area restrictions and evacuation alerts and orders.
Fire Update
On Wednesday, crews continue to mop up from Sunday’s successful planned ignition, conduct small-scale planned ignitions on pockets of remaining fuel and patrol. Learn more about planned ignitions.
The planned ignition Sunday strengthened containment by bringing the fire from steep, inaccessible terrain down to workable ground where firefighters can suppress it. This minimizes the risk of the fire escaping control lines as elevated winds follow days of hot, dry conditions as forecast.
On Tuesday, the fire remained within these established containment lines despite stronger winds and increased fire behaviour.
Aviation and heavy equipment remain on site to support firefighters as required. Patrols are ongoing on the east flank of the fire.
Structure protection specialists continue to monitor and patrol.
Thursday is expected to bring elevated winds following days of very hot, dry conditions and fire behaviour could increase and challenge containment lines. The safety of the public and first responders is the top priority.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Area Restriction
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire. More information including a map of the restricted area is available here.
August 16, 2023 – 12:18 pm
Weather
The Southeast Fire Centre is experiencing increased smoke and, in some areas, falling ash, on Wednesday. The smoke and ash are largely coming from fires burning to the northwest in the Kamloops Fire Centre.
Hot, dry conditions persist Wednesday with forecast highs reaching 40 C in some places. Winds are expected to be lighter than Tuesday.
Weather conditions may cause some fires to display increased behaviour and smoke. Increased winds are forecast for Thursday and personnel continue to work to prevent the fire from spreading during challenging weather.
Fire Update
On Wednesday, crews continue to mop up from Sunday’s successful planned ignition, conduct small-scale planned ignitions on pockets of remaining fuel and patrol. Learn more about planned ignitions.
The planned ignition Sunday strengthened containment by bringing the fire from steep, inaccessible terrain down to workable ground where firefighters can suppress it. This minimizes the risk of the fire escaping control lines as elevated winds follow days of hot, dry conditions as forecast.
The fire remained within these established containment lines despite stronger winds and increased fire behaviour on Tuesday afternoon.
Aviation and heavy equipment remain on site to support firefighters as required. Patrols are ongoing on the east flank of the fire.
Structure protection specialists continue to monitor and patrol.
Increased smoke and fire behaviour may continue to be visible from Sparwood and communities to the south, including Hosmer and Fernie, as hot, dry conditions persist.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Area Restriction
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire. More information including a map of the restricted area is available here.
August 15, 2023 – 8:41 pm
Weather
Hot, dry conditions persisted across the Southeast Fire Centre with highs Tuesday expected to reach 40 C in places. Increased winds in some areas led to increased fire behaviour and smoke. Wednesday is forecast to bring similarly hot conditions with lighter winds.
Fire Update
Crews conducted a successful planned ignition on Sunday on the south side of the fire to remove unburnt fuel between the fire edge and control lines. Learn more about planned ignitions.
This operation strengthened containment by bringing the fire from steep, inaccessible terrain down to workable ground where firefighters can suppress it. This minimizes the risk of the fire escaping control lines should elevated winds follow days of hot, dry conditions as forecast.
On Monday, crews mopped up and patrolled the south flank in the planned ignition area and completed several small-scale hand ignitions to remove remaining pockets of fuel and limit the risk of any spotting beyond guards. Crews remained on site overnight to monitor and patrol the area.
On Tuesday, the fire remained within the established containment lines despite hot, dry weather coupled with elevated winds through the afternoon. Crews, along with support from aviation and heavy equipment, continued to mop up and work to contain the fire.
Structure protection specialists continue to monitor and patrol.
Increased smoke and fire behaviour may continue to be visible from Sparwood and communities to the south, including Hosmer and Fernie, as hot, dry conditions persist.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Area Restriction
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire. More information including a map of the restricted area is available here.
August 14, 2023 – 9:31 pm
Weather
Monday brought hot, dry conditions expected to carry through Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by the potential for high winds later in the week. The BC Wildfire Service is preparing for the possibility of challenging weather by strengthening containment lines around the fire.
Planned Ignition Operation
Crews conducted a successful planned ignition on Sunday on the south side of the fire to remove unburnt fuel between the fire edge and control lines. Learn more about planned ignitions.
This operation strengthened containment by bringing the fire from steep, inaccessible terrain down to workable ground where firefighters can suppress it. This minimizes the risk of the fire escaping control lines should elevated winds follow days of hot, dry conditions as forecast.
On Monday, crews mopped up and patrolled the south flank in the planned ignition area and completed several small-scale hand ignitions to remove remaining pockets of fuel and limit the risk of any spotting beyond guards. Fire behaviour was mainly rank 2 with pockets of rank 3 in areas of the planned ignition where unburnt fuel remained. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Crews will remain on site overnight again to monitor and patrol the area. On Tuesday, crews along with support from aviation and heavy equipment will continue mopping up and working to contain the fire.
Structure protection specialists continue to monitor and patrol.
Increased smoke and fire behaviour may continue to be visible from Sparwood and communities to the south, including Hosmer and Fernie.
To view a video Q&A filmed Aug. 12 with Incident Commander Dan Klein in advance of this planned ignition, click here.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Area Restriction
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire. More information including a map of the restricted area is available here.
August 14, 2023 – 11:36 am
Weather
A strong upper ridge continues to envelope the area bringing a forecast high of 30 C. Conditions are dry with relative humidity as low as 20 per cent. The next couple days are anticipated to be hot and dry, followed by the potential for higher winds later in the week. The BC Wildfire Service is preparing for the possibility of challenging weather by strengthening containment lines around the fire.
The fire may become more active with hot, dry conditions and increased smoke and/or flame may be visible.
Planned Ignition Operation
Crews conducted a successful planned ignition on Sundayon the south side of the fire to remove unburnt fuel between the fire edge and control lines. Learn more about planned ignitions.
This operation strengthened containment by bringing the fire from steep, inaccessible terrain down to workable ground where firefighters can suppress it. This minimizes the risk of the fire escaping control lines should elevated winds follow days of hot, dry conditions as forecast.
On Monday, crews may continue some small-scale planned ignitions in the Lladnar Creek drainage to burn several remaining pockets of fuel.
Firefighters with support from aircraft and heavy equipment will continue to monitor and mop up the planned ignition site. Structure protection specialists are patrolling the area as well. Crews remained on site overnight to ensure the fire stayed within the planned ignition site.
Increased smoke may continue to be visible from Sparwood and communities to the south, including Hosmer and Fernie.
Expect the posted fire size to increase to reflect this planned ignition.
To view a video Q&A filmed Aug. 12 with Incident Commander Dan Klein in advance of this planned ignition, click here.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Area Restriction
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire. More information including a map of the restricted area is available here.
August 13, 2023 – 8:04 pm
Weather
Sunday brought sunnier skies along with warmer and drier conditions. The next few days are anticipated to be increasingly hot and dry, followed by the potential for high winds late in the week (Aug. 17-20). The BC Wildfire Service is preparing for the possibility of challenging weather by strengthening containment lines around the fire.
Planned Ignition Operation
Crews conducted a successful planned ignition on Sundayon the south side of the fire to remove unburnt fuel between the fire edge and control lines. Learn more about planned ignitions. This operation strengthened containment by bringing the fire down from steep, inaccessible terrain down to workable ground where firefighters can suppress it. This minimizes the risk of the fire escaping control lines should elevated winds follow days of hot, dry conditions as forecast.
Firefighters with support from aircraft and heavy equipment will continue to monitor and mop up the planned ignition site. Structure protection specialists are patrolling the area as well. Crews will remain on site overnight.
On Monday, crews will complete the operation by burning several remaining pockets of fuel within the planned ignition area.
Increased smoke may continue to be visible from Sparwood and communities to the south, including Hosmer and Fernie.
To view a video Q&A filmed Aug. 12 with Incident Commander Dan Klein about this planned ignition operation, click here.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Area Restriction
An area restriction is in effect in the vicinity of this wildfire. More information including a map of the restricted area is available here.
August 13, 2023 – 10:52 am
Weather
Sunday is expected to bring sunnier skies along with warmer and drier conditions. Temperatures are forecast to reach a high of 27 C.
The next few days are anticipated to be increasingly hot and dry followed by the potential for high winds late in the week (Aug. 17-20). The BC Wildfire Service is preparing for the possibility of challenging weather by strengthening containment lines around the fire.
Planned Ignition Operation
Crews supported by an ignition specialist are conducting a planned ignition on Sunday on the south side of the fire to remove unburnt fuel between the fire edge and control lines. Learn more about planned ignitions. This operation will strengthen containment by bringing the fire from its current location on steep, inaccessible terrain down to workable ground where firefighters can suppress it. This minimizes the risk of the fire escaping control lines should elevated winds follow days of hot, dry conditions as forecast.
Control lines have been built and reinforced with water delivery systems around the area identified for the planned ignition. During the operation, firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft will protect the perimeter of the area while structure protection specialists patrol and monitor.
Hand and aerial ignitions will be used during the operation, which could begin as early as noon Sunday. People in the area should expect to see an increase in activity and smoke while the planned ignition is underway. Increased smoke may also be visible south of the fire around the communities of Hosmer and Fernie.
The planned ignition will only proceed if site and weather conditions are optimal. To view a video Q&A with Incident Commander Dan Klein about this planned ignition operation, click here.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
Fire behaviour is generally low (rank 1 and 2). Small pockets of heightened fire activity (rank 3) was observed Saturday during late afternoon peak burning time and are expected again Sunday. Learn more about wildfire rank.
August 12, 2023 – 1:23 pm
Weather
Saturday is expected to bring a mix of sun and cloud with increasing winds at ridgetop elevation starting in the afternoon and continuing into the evening. Temperatures are forecast to be moderate, with a high of 23 C.
The next few days are anticipated to be increasingly hot and dry followed by the potential for high winds late next week (Aug. 17-20). The BC Wildfire Service is preparing for the possibility of challenging weather by strengthening containment lines around the fire.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
Fire behaviour is generally low (rank 1 and 2). Small pockets of heightened fire activity (rank 3) was observed Friday during late afternoon peak burning time and is expected again Saturday. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Operations
Crews supported by an ignition specialist are preparing to conduct a planned ignition on the south side of the fire to remove unburnt fuel between the fire edge and control lines. Learn more about planned ignitions. This operation will strengthen containment by bringing the fire from its current location on steep, inaccessible terrain down to workable ground where firefighters can suppress it. This minimizes the risk of the fire escaping control lines should elevated winds follow days of hot, dry conditions as forecast.
Control lines have been built and reinforced with water delivery systems around the area identified for the planned ignition. During the operation, firefighters, heavy equipment and aircraft will protect the perimeter of the area while structure protection specialists patrol and monitor.
Hand and aerial ignitions will be used during the operation. People in the area should expect to see an increase in aircraft activity and smoke while the planned ignition is underway.
The planned ignition could begin as early as Sunday. It will only proceed when site and weather conditions are optimal.
Structure protection personnel remain on site to assess, plan and set up structure protection as required in areas of potential concern.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
August 12, 2023 – 10:00 am
Weather
Saturday is expected to bring a mix of sun and cloud with increasing winds at ridgetop elevation starting in the afternoon and continuing into the evening. Temperatures are forecast to be moderate, with highs of 23 C.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
Fire behaviour is low (rank 1) with minimal change in the last 24 hours. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Operations
Heavy equipment and ground crews continue building guards on the south and east flanks of the fire.
Specialists are preparing to conduct a planned ignition on the south flank in coming days when conditions are appropriate. This operation will remove unburnt fuels between the fire’s edge and guards to strengthen containment and minimize the risk of the fire spreading beyond the guard. Learn more about planned ignitions.
Increased smoke and activity will be visible from the area when this operation is underway.
Structure protection personnel remain on site to assess, plan, and set up structure protection as required in areas of potential concern.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
August 11, 2023 – 6:59 pm
Weather
Generally light winds are forecast for Friday as conditions trend towards warming and drying. A mix of sun and cloud has the potential for isolated, minor showers over high terrain as temperatures top-out in the mid-20s.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
Fire behaviour is low (rank 1) with minimal change in the last 24 hours. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Operations
Heavy equipment and ground crews continue building guards on the south and east flanks of the fire.
Specialists are preparing to conduct a planned ignition on the south flank in coming days when conditions are appropriate. This operation will remove unburnt fuels between the fire’s edge and guards to strengthen containment and minimize the risk of the fire spreading beyond the guard. Learn more about planned ignitions. Increased smoke and activity will be visible from the area when this operation is underway.
Structure protection personnel remain on site to assess, plan, and set up structure protection as required in areas of potential concern.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit www.sparwood.ca.
August 11, 2023 – 12:15 pm
Weather
Generally light winds are forecast for Friday as conditions trend towards warming and drying. A mix of sun and cloud has the potential for isolated, minor showers over high terrain as temperatures top-out in the mid-20s.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
Fire behaviour has been reduced throughout the site and minimal change has occurred in the last 24 hours. Observed fire behaviour throughout the area is rank 1. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Operations
Heavy equipment will be working with ground crews on the south and east flanks of the fire as guards continue to be constructed in preparation for planned ignitions. These ignitions will be dependant on site and weather conditions; more information will be available when conditions are optimal on site.
Patrols continue for ground crews as personnel continue to monitor burn operations that took place on August 6.
Structure protection personnel remain on site to assess, plan, and set up structure protection as required in areas of potential concern.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
August 10, 2023 – 6:00 pm
Weather
The Lladnar Creek wildfire received between 3-5 mm of precipitation on Wednesday, with the greatest totals in the southern section. A dry, more stable northwesterly flow on Thursday will be the beginning of a warming and drying trend that is expected to last five or more days. Moderate winds are possible from the north or northwest, while isolated showers build over high terrain Thursday afternoon. Expect temperatures to reach the mid-20s by this afternoon.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
Fire behaviour has been significantly reduced throughout the site and no changes have occurred in the last 24 hours. Observed fire behaviour throughout the area is rank 1. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Operations
Heavy equipment will be working with ground crews in the southern section of the fire as guards continue to be constructed in preparation for planned ignitions. These ignitions will be dependent on site and weather conditions; more information will be available when conditions are optimal on site.
Patrols continue for ground crews as personnel continue to monitor burn operations that took place on August 6.
Structure protection personnel remain on site to assess, plan, and set up structure protection as required in areas of potential concern.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
August 9, 2023 – 5:35 pm
Weather
Cool temperatures and high humidity values are forecast for Wednesday as an upper trough pushes a weakening cold front eastward into the Lladnar Creek area. With a chance of showers in the evening and overnight on Wednesday, the potential for gusty wind can also be anticipated in the area. These winds have the potential of shifting from the south or southwest to west or northwest overnight.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
Fire behaviour has been significantly reduced throughout the site. Observed fire behaviour throughout the area is rank 1. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Operations
Patrols continue for ground crews as personnel continue to monitor burn operations that took place on August 6.
Hand and equipment guards are being established on the southern flank, from Lladnar Creek to the transmission lines, for future planned ignitions.
Structure protection personnel remain on site to assess, plan, and set up structure protection as required in areas of potential concern.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
August 8, 2023 – 12:05 pm
Weather
Greater than 10 mil of precipitation was recorded on the fire on Monday. By Tuesday afternoon, bands of warm-frontal moisture should bring thickening bands of system cloud (and a risk of a convective shower) while southerly or southwesterly winds potentially come up a notch. Elevated southwesterly winds continue Tuesday night, especially at higher elevations ahead of a weakening cold front that brings gusty winds, variable cloud, isolated showers, and cooler temperatures on Wednesday.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
No growth was observed. Fire behaviour has been significantly reduced throughout the site. On the east slope, there is minimal fire activity due to the planned ignition and downturn in weather. Observed fire behaviour throughout is rank 1. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Operations
Crews will continue to monitor the east slope for potential fire activity.
North of Cummings Creek, crews are finalizing the hand guard where heavy equipment could not access.
To the south, crews are establishing a fuel-free hand guard that will effectively tie the Lladnar Creek into the Elk River. This work is expected to be completed in the next operational period.
Structure protection personnel remain on site to assess, plan and set up structure protection as required in areas of potential concern.
August 7, 2023 – 5:30 pm
The fire is receiving a measurable amount of precipitation. Temperatures will fall a degree or two each day and relative humidity will continue to rise in response to the daily threat of showers and thunderstorms.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
A response officer flew the fire Monday morning to monitor Sunday’s burn site from the air and map the fire size. It is now mapped at 945 hectares. The size increase is mainly a result of Sunday’s planned ignition. As a result of Sunday’s planned ignition and the rainfall, onsite fire behaviour is rank 1 throughout. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Operations
Control lines held overnight on the east slope, where the planned ignition was on Sunday. Crews are monitoring the burn operations on the east slope with non-stop patrols to ensure that control lines continue to hold.
The machine guard north of Cummings Creek is now complete. Crews are now positioned in the area to establish hand guard in that area. To the north, crews are establishing a trail west from Cummings Creek and scouting areas for potential planned ignitions in the area should they be required.
To the south, crews are establishing a fuel-free that will effectively tie the Lladnar Creek into the Elk River. Ground crews are being supported by helicopters in this area.
Structure protection personnel remain on site to assess, plan and set up structure protection as required in areas of potential concern.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the leisure centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website. While the BC Wildfire Service and firefighters are grateful for the incredible amount of community support, we are currently unable to accept donations of any kind.
Drone in Restricted Airspace
On Sunday, helicopters were not able to lift for a brief period of time as a drone was in the airspace. The BC Wildfire Service and Transport Canada remind the public that the airspace around and over any wildfire is closed to all aircraft not associated with fire suppression activities – including drones. The presence of drones near active wildfire operations presents a significant safety risk for aircraft, which can slow down or completely shut down aerial firefighting efforts delaying this vital support to firefighting personnel and the wider community. In the interest of aircrew and public safety, British Columbians are asked to keep their drones well away from wildfires. You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, should you be caught operating a drone in the vicinity of a wildfire.
August 6, 2023 – 6:00 pm
A weak upper low over southern Washington state will push instability and subtropical moisture northward into the area Sunday. Increased cloud cover, smoke and isolated showers will result with slightly cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity. There is the potential for showers or thundershowers on Monday.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
No significant growth was noted overnight, the size increase is partially a result of Saturday’s burn operations. The broader planned ignition is complete, successfully achieving ignition objectives on the east slope. Fire behaviour on the ignition area was consistently a highly vigorous surface fire (rank 4). With Sunday’s ignition complete, fire behaviour is now noted to be predominantly rank 2. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Operations
With Sunday’s burn successfully complete, the majority of the east slope has been tied into the guard at the toe of the slope. Crews will remain on site into the evening to monitor the fire to ensure that control lines continue to hold. The guard planned for north of Cummings Creek is now complete.
Structure protection personnel remain on site to assess, plan and set up structure protection as required in areas of potential concern.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the leisure centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website. While the BC Wildfire Service and firefighters are grateful for the incredible amount of community support, we are currently unable to accept donations of any kind.
Drone in Restricted Airspace
On Sunday, helicopters were not able to lift for a brief period of time as a drone was in the airspace. The BC Wildfire Service and Transport Canada remind the public that the airspace around and over any wildfire is closed to all aircraft not associated with fire suppression activities – including drones. The presence of drones near active wildfire operations presents a significant safety risk for aircraft, which can slow down or completely shut down aerial firefighting efforts delaying this vital support to firefighting personnel and the wider community. In the interest of aircrew and public safety, British Columbians are asked to keep their drones well away from wildfires. You could face serious penalties, including fines and/or jail time, should you be caught operating a drone in the vicinity of a wildfire.
August 6, 2023 – 10:50 am
Weather
A weak upper low over southern Washington state will push instability and subtropical moisture northward into the area Sunday. Increased cloud cover, smoke and isolated showers will result with slightly cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity. There is the potential for showers or thundershowers on Monday.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
No significant growth was noted overnight, the size increase is partially a result of Saturday’s burn operations. Humidity has increased in the area and onsite fire behaviour on Sunday morning was noted at rank 1 with pockets of rank 2. Learn more about wildfire rank.
Operations
Site and weather conditions continue to be favourable for further broad-scale hand igntions on the east slope Sunday. Crews will be beginning these ignitions late morning. Residents can expect to see an increase in fire behaviour on the ignition site, with a medium intensity rank 3 / 4 fire behaviour expected on the ignition site. This increased fire behaviour is required to achieve objectives and remove fuel from the fires path. This burn will happen by hand and will be ‘slope-driven’ which means that the fire will be managed to spread upslope and away from the community. Heavy equipment and aviation resources will assist crews in managing this ignition and an additional 10 firefighters have been assigned to support.
These planned ignitions will be highly visible to the community, smoke is expected to increase as a result.
Planned ignitions remove unburnt fuel between the fire edge and control lines in an intentional manner to reduce the chance of the fire spreading beyond control lines. Learn more about planned ignitions.
Ground crews, heavy equipment and rotary wing aircraft are assigned to this incident along with Structural Protection Resources. Responder and public safety remain the top priority.
An Incident Command Post is established at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. For information on any impacts to usual operations at the Leisure Centre, please visit the District of Sparwood website.
While the BC Wildfire Service and firefighters are grateful for the incredible amount of community support, we are currently unable to accept donations of any kind.
August 5, 2023 – 11:20 am
Weather
As sub-tropical moisture continues to drift North, humidity is expected to slightly increase today and temperatures are forecast to be cooler than Friday. A risk of convective activity continues during the afternoon and evening hours.
Site Conditions and Fire Behaviour
As forecast, humidity has improved and fire activity reduced Saturday morning, on site fire behaviour this morning is noted at rank 1. Learn more about wildfire rank. Growth over the past 24 hours has been minimal. The little growth that occurred was at high elevation away from the community.
Operations
Friday’s small-scale hand ignitions to reinforce the guard were completed suc
