(KIM ANDERSON / iNFOnews.ca)
July 19, 2023 - 2:31 PM
The BC Wildfire Service is keeping an eye on several fires that have burned over five square kilometres in Wells Gray Provincial Park north of Clearwater, but it's not taking an action.
None of the wildfires are immediately threatening structures, so the wildfire service is opting to simply observe for any changes with a "monitor response," according to a news release issued today, July 19.
"The decision to provide this kind of response is often made in areas, like BC Parks, where wildfires are allowed to burn to achieve ecological benefits from the fire when there is no immediate threat to values," the news release reads.
While the wildfires remain active in camping areas, BC Parks has closed some camp sites and trails at Wells Gray park for public safety. This includes areas around Kostal Lake, Pillpill Mountain and all West Arm campsites and trails around Murtle Lake.
The largest blaze is the 13,471-hectare out-of-control Kostal Cone wildfire, which is to the west of Murtle Lake and grew to the east and northeast on July 18, but hasn't grown to the south or west. The blaze merged with the nearby Majerus Lake wildfire last week.
The Pillpill Range wildfire is estimated at around 439 hectares and is out of control, but it's growth has slowed thanks to rain this past weekend. Similarly, the Ovis Creek wildfire is out of control, but the two-hectare blaze has been quiet after weekend precipitation.
The Murtle Lake wildfire on the east side of the lake is estimated to be 1,270 hectares and is under control.
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