BCWS continuing to monitor Kinbasket Lake wildfire

By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG

The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) carried out a planned ignition on the Kinbasket Lake wildfire on July 5th to prevent the fire from growing further. As of writing on the afternoon of July 9th, it is measured at 158.5 hectares and listed as out-of-control, meaning it is expected to grow beyond its current perimeter.

Listed as G30819 on the BCWS dashboard, the fire was discovered on July 2nd and measured at 30 hectares as of that afternoon.

In an email to The Goat, information officer for the Prince George Fire Centre Pedro Roldan-Delgado said the BCWS completed the ignition to guide the fire towards natural barriers and prevent it from spreading north, east and south.

Roldan-Delgado said the BCWS is currently deciding how to move forward with the fire, which is on steep terrain that may pose a risk to crews. Most of the ground the fire covers has an average of a 45-60 per cent slope, the equivalent of a 22 to 31 degree angle. Additionally, the fire covers some drainage areas with a 70 per cent – or 35 degree – slope.

According to Roldan-Delgado, the Service is monitoring the fire to find opportunities where crews can safely engage with the fire. The Goat will continue to post updates on the fire as they become available.