Thousands under evacuation alert as wildfire threatens Kimberley, B.C.

Officials say this week could see a higher risk of wildfires sparked by lightning amid warm and drying conditions.

The entire city of Kimberley, B.C., has been placed under an evacuation alert as multiple wildfires burn out of control to the west of the Kootenay community.

The alert covers “all properties within the municipal boundaries” of the city, affecting approximately 9,000 residents who are urged to prepare to leave on short notice.

A separate alert covers 66 properties along St. Mary Lake Road, southwest of the city.

The alerts were prompted by the Matthew Creek wildfire, which measured approximately 567 hectares Monday, and the two Tower Creek wildfires, which measure 250 hectares and 30 hectares.

“This is the time for residents within both alert areas to ensure they are staying informed from factual sources,” Kimberley Fire Chief Will Booth said in a statement.

He said residents should also ensure they are registered for the regional evacuation notification system and “are taking steps to prepare themselves and their families should conditions worsen.”

The B.C. Wildfire Service says all three fires are burning in steep, mountainous terrain that is unsafe for crews to access directly.

Matthew Creek, the largest of the fires, was discovered Saturday and burned vigorously due to high winds and available fuel.

“Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation,” said Kimberley’s acting mayor, Sandra Roberts, in the alert notice.

“However, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.”

Fire sparked by lightning

Wildfire officials said the fire’s activity is being tracked from the air but the flames could become more visible from surrounding communities.

In an update Monday, the wildfire service said hot, dry conditions are expected to persist with light, variable winds in the forecast.

“Smoke will be intermittently noticeable in the east Kootenay area,” the bulletin said.

“Some of the smoke will be coming from local fires, much of the smoke is coming from fires in Washington state, Oregon, and western British Columbia.”

The agency says crews are working to establish control lines around the fire’s perimeter because they cannot attack the flames directly.

Firefighting helicopters and heavy equipment have been assigned to the fire, which is believed to be one of several blazes in the province that were sparked by recent lightning strikes.

There were 104 wildfires burning in B.C. on Monday, including 41 considered out of control, according to the provincial wildfire service.