Manning Park wildfire complex remains out of control despite cooler weather

MANNING PARK — Cooler weekend weather helped to slow the growth of several wildfires burning in the Manning Park area, but all four fires in the complex remain out of control according to the latest update from the BC Wildfire Service Sunday (July 26) evening.

The largest fire is the Norwegian Creek wildfire, which has grown to 957 hectares since it was discovered July 17. The Big Burn Creek wildfire is estimated at 628 hectares, while the Hozomeen Mountain fire covers 533 hectares. The Daynar Creek wildfire is estimated at 520 hectares.

The BC Wildfire Service said more than 60 personnel, supported by aircraft, are responding across the Manning Park complex.

Personnel are focusing their work on protecting the Highway 3 corridor. Motorists should expect to come across firefighters who are accessing roads into the fires along sections of the highway. Aviation resources are being used to reduce fire activity on the west side of the Norwegian Creek wildfire.

Motorists travelling through the area are being urged to drive carefully and remain alert for firefighting crews. The BC Wildfire Service recommends travellers check DriveBC for the latest highway conditions before travelling.

The Hozomeen Mountain wildfire began in Washington state before crossing the Canada-U.S. border into British Columbia.

The BC Wildfire Service said American crews are responding to the fire on the U.S. side of the border. On the Canadian side, steep and hazardous terrain has limited response efforts, and the fire is being monitored. Officials said the incident will be reassessed if the fire moves into terrain where crews can operate safely.

The wildfire service said it continues to work closely with BC Parks as crews respond to the complex.

As a result of the wildfire activity, the Skagit Valley Park remains closed. BC Parks is advising visitors to check its active advisories for the latest information on park closures and restrictions.