UPDATE: FVRD says no threats to life, safety or property from Cultus Lake wildfire, now being held

UPDATE #2, 2:50 P.M.: The BC Wildfire Service now says today’s wildfire near Cultus Lake is being held at a half-hectare.

UPDATE 12:10 P.M. MONDAY: The BC Wildfire Service says over a dozen provincial firefighters and a helicopter are battling the wildfire in Cultus Lake near the Jade Bay day use campground.

In a statement released by the regional district, FVRD says the BCWS is actively engaged in wildfire containment activities for this fire.

“Wildfire V10230 will continue to display plenty of smoke; however, there are no threats to life safety or property at this time,” FVRD said in a statement released at around noon on Monday. “Helicopters performing aerial bucketing operations require quick access to the lake water. Boaters can help wildfire operations by paying close attention to helicopters above the lake and avoiding their path to ensure safe surface access to the lake water.”

FVRD says the BCWS is the lead agency overseeing fire suppression efforts, and FVRD’s Emergency Management team is coordinating joint information between the BC Wildfire Service, Cultus Lake Park Board, and Ministry of Transportation. FVRD is working closely with the above partners to monitor the situation, as required.

“This hazard advisory is issued to inform residents and visitors to expect temporary road access interruptions,” FVRD said. “There are no threats to life safety or property at this time.”

Emil Anderson Maintenance, the provincial road contractor, says that due to wildfire response protocol, there is single-lane alternating traffic on Columbia Valley Road near the Jade Bay boat launch.

Meanwhile, the fire west of Harrison Lake is being held as of 10:40 a.m. Monday morning.

Original story:

CULTUS LAKE/HARRISON – A 0.4-hectare fire several kilometres west of Harrison Lake and a slightly larger 1.1-ha fire in Cultus Lake have ignited over the past 24 hours.

BCWS says the wildfire near Cultus Lake was discovered on Monday, May 4.

The fire is near Entrance Bay approximately 50 feet up the hill from the road, the Cultus Lake Community Facebook page said.

BC Hydro’s online dashboard indicates 13 customers lost power at about 3:54 a.m. early Monday morning due to the fire.

“Emergency services are working in this area. Our repairs may be delayed until they complete their work,” BC Hydro wrote on its website.

The wildfire is considered out of control.

Location of Cultus Lake wildfire. (Image Credit: BC Hydro.)

According to the BC Wildfire Service online dashboard, a small wildfire was detected Sunday morning, May 3 in the vicinity of Blacklock Creek, approximately seven km southwest of Chehalis Lake. It was estimated at less than a hectare by Sunday night, but has since grown to 1.4 hectares. It is now being held as of 10:40 a.m. Monday morning.

Location of wildfires. (Image Credit: BC Wildfire Service.)

Two initial attack crews, a response officer and two helicopters worked to suppress the fire, which is suspected of being caused by human activity.