The BC Wildfire Service is reminding folks that what they do can have an impact on currently active wildfires and those fighting them.
The Saturday update notes that the Pemberton Zone of the BC Wildfire Service's Coastal Fire Centre is responding to several wildfires that require sustained firefighting action, including the Rutherford Creek fire and Birkenhead Lake fire.
The Rutherford Creek fire, near Pemberton, is burning out of control and is currently at 62 hectares. It has been burning since Aug. 6.
Lightning is the suspected cause.
More concerning is that the Birkenhead fire is currently 706 ha and burning out of control. It is two kilometres north of Sockeye Creek. Lightning is also the suspected cause of this blaze, which was also discovered on Aug. 6.
An evacuation alert is in place for Birkenhead Lake Estates and Blackwater Road properties, the emailed update notes.
And Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park is closed.
Crews are also battling a third blaze, the Upper Elaho River fire, which is 394 ha and out of control. This fire was discovered on Aug. 12.
It is also believed to have been sparked by lightning.
"[The] BC Wildfire Service is working with Sqomish Forestry to establish road access," reads the Aug. 17 update from the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD).
Squamish Fire Rescue also posted to its Facebook page that three of its members had been deployed to help fight the Birkenhead Lake fire.
"This wildfire along with the rapidly expanding Elaho Valley fire are in close proximity to Squamish, which is resulting in visible smoke and a strong smell throughout our community," the post reads.
There is a smoky skies bulletin in effect for our region as of this morning.
The following activities can negatively impact wildfire-fighting operations:
• members of the public entering an active fire area
• travellers stopping along roadways near active wildlife to observe fire activity or suppression efforts
• recreational boaters failing to give helicopters and air tankers enough room to manoeuvre and operate safely when collecting water
• the operation of drones in active wildfire areas
"Acts such as these have a direct impact on the effectiveness of fire suppression activities and pose safety risks to both British Columbians and to responders who are working to contain these fires," the release states.
"Thank you for continuing to be mindful and respectful of suppression activities. We appreciate everyone's cooperation and support to help keep all of us safe this summer."
For more information on the wildfire situation, please visit http://www.bcwildfire.ca
