The Clear Creek wildfire north of Harrison Hot Springs has reached nearly double the size of 2018’s Mt. Hicks fire.
According to the most recent updates from the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Clear Creek wildfire has reached about 700 hectares in size, growing significantly throughout the past week. It is by far the largest local wildfire this year.
Long Island’s evacuation order remains in effect as the fire burns 256 hectares on the northern side of the island. The fire is classified as out of control, but any growth has not been reported to the BCWS website since Sunday, Aug. 8.
RELATED: Supporting fire crews no longer needed at Mt.Hicks wildfire
Observer publisher Carly Ferguson captured footage from the Long Island fire.
Three other, much smaller fires are classified as out of control (down one from yesterday): Clear Creek South (minimal), Clear Creek No. 2 (minimal size, being monitored only) and Clear Creek East (minimal size, being monitored only).
The Big Silver Creek fire remains under control, holding at 3 hectares. Hornet Creek No. 1 is also under control, shrinking slightly from 1 hectare to 0.9.
The Mt. Hicks fire of 2018 burned more than 400 hectares of land and threatened homes on Kamp Road.
Some cooler, weather weather throughout the first half of the week may offer some relief in the continuing fight against the wildfires.
As of Monday morning, there are 273 active wildfires across the province; there have been 1, 448 wildfires that have burned in B.C. this year so far.
Three other, much smaller fires are classified as out of control (down one from yesterday): Clear Creek South (minimal), Clear Creek No. 2 (minimal size, being monitored only) and Clear Creek East (minimal size, being monitored only).
The Big Silver Creek fire remains under control, holding at 3 hectares. Hornet Creek No. 1 is also under control, shrinking slightly from 1 hectare to 0.9.
All current local wildfires are believed to be caused by lightning.
RELATED: 70 lightning strikes in Harrison area as firefighters battle six Saturday wildfires
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What you need to do if you are ordered to evacuate:
Close all windows and doors
Shut off gas and electrical appliances
Leave your refrigerators and freezers on
Close gates and latch, but do not lock
Gather your family; assist a neighbour or someone who needs help
Take critical items if they are immediately available. This includes keys, ID, cash/cards and medicine
Take pets in kennels or on leashes
Do not use more vehicles than you have to
Do not use the phone unless you need emergency service. Text family and friends or post on social media.
Self-register with Emergency Support Services at ess.gov.bc.ca to report you have safely left the area. By registering, you may be eligible for emergency shelter or food if this is your primary residence and you have not made other arrangements.
Tune into radio stations 98.3 or 100.5 for updates.
If you can’t transport yourself out of the area and all neighbours have left the area, immediately call Fraser Valley Regional District’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 778-704-0400 or dial 911.
Due to the seasonal nature of the properties being evacuated on Long Island, ESS is available on a case by case basis for emergency shelter and food for those who don’t have a primary residence to return to. If this applies to you, let the EOC know that you have self-registered as an evacuee. A needs assessment will be performed to connect you with the proper support.
@adamEditor18
adam.louis@ ahobserver.com
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