B.C. crews begin work on Washington wildfire

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – B.C. Wildfire firefighters have begun work on a Washington-based wildfire inching its way toward the Canadian border.

With five kilometres left before reaching Canada, B.C. crews have been deployed to suppress the Stickpin Fire which is now estimated to be 19,240 hectares in size.

Plans so far are for crews to assess the situation, identify anchor points and establish a line of control to prevent the fire from entering the country, according to a B.C. Wildfire media release.

Heavy smoke is restricting airtankers and helicopters from supporting ground crews. 

The B.C. firefighters may use Christina Lake for air operations led by smaller aircraft, B.C. Wildfire says. Officers flying “bird-dog” or lead aircraft will sound alarms over the lake before landing in it. For that reason, recreational boaters are asked to avoid the lake during operations.

Structural protection firefighters are checking to see if any properties in the Boundary region are threatened or could be threatened by the wildfire.

B.C. Wildfire says the public will be informed If evacuation alerts or orders are in effect.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Glynn Brothen at gbrothen@infonews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.