The Stickpin Fire burning in Washington State is seen crossing plantations on Saturday, August 15, 2015. About 1,600 people in southeastern British Columbia remain on evacuation alert as fire crews prepare for winds to carry in trouble from wildfires in neighbouring Washington state.
Image Credit: U.S. Forest Service
August 27, 2015 - 6:30 PM
KAMLOOPS - About 1,600 people in southeastern British Columbia remain on evacuation alert as fire crews prepare for winds to carry in trouble from wildfires in neighbouring Washington state.
Fire Information Officer Kevin Skrepnek says Grand Forks and Christina Lake residents could be asked to leave at a moment's notice if winds blow embers from the 195-square-kilometre Stickpin blaze into B.C.
That fire is burning about five kilometres south of the border, where 48 firefighters, three officers and four pieces of heavy machinery from B.C. are engaged in the fight.
Skrepnek says the forecasted winds could increase fire activity not only in Washington state but across B.C. in the coming days.
Rain expected this weekend could help fight the wildfires, and Skrepnek says rainfall warnings may even cover areas such as Vancouver Island and the south coast.
Skrepnek says the province has spent $244 million fighting 1,744 wildfires this year.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2015