Invermere FireSmart

During an emergency, hotels and other accommodations may be needed to support evacuees.

Ensure you have at least one out-of-area contact who you can connect with and possibly stay with in case of an Evacuation Order 🔥

Learn more: PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyPlan

Come down to the Invermere Farmers and Artists Market and come say hi to Invermere Fire Rescue - Station 2200 & Invermere FireSmart !

What causes wildfires in B.C.? Here’s the breakdown according to our 10-year average from 2016 - 2025:

• Lightning: ~60%
• Category 2, 3 Open Fire: ~8.1%
• Category 1 Campfire: ~6.5%
• Vehicle: ~3.9%
• Arson or suspicious: ~3.8%
• Miscellaneous: ~3.5%
• Electrical distribution or infrastructure: ~3%
• Equipment use: ~2.1%
• Railroad: ~1.1%
• Smoking substances: ~0.8%
• Undetermined: ~7.1%

When conditions are hot, dry and windy, a small ignition can quickly become a wildfire. Most human-caused wildfires are preventable. Please do your part.

Follow prohibitions and restrictions:
https://www.gov.bc.ca/fireprohibitions

Get FireSmart:
https://firesmartbc.ca/

If you receive an Evacuation Order due to wildfire, keep yourself, your community and first responders safe by following it.

Leave the area immediately with your grab-and-go bags.

On the way out, close all doors and windows. Turn on lights so your home is visible to firefighters in smoke.

Follow all instructions from officials.

Evacuating a home is a difficult and emotional experience, but if you are placed under Evacuation Order you are at risk and need to leave the area immediately. If you stay and have a medical emergency or need to be rescued, help may not be able to get to you.

Learn more: https://gov.bc.ca/evacuee-guidance

REGIONAL WILDFIRE UPDATE & THUNDERSTORM WATCH (posted: Aug.12.26 - 11:35am)

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for the southern part of the region. The storms may bring strong winds, lightning, and hail and there is potential for these cells to move through the entire East Kootenay over the next 24-36 hours or so. Check Environment Canada for the latest.

Here is the latest information on local wildfires with information from the BC Wildfire Service:

🔥Matthew Creek Wildfire - W of Kimberley
• Yesterday crews completed a successful planned ignition to remove unburnt fuel between the fire's edge and pre-established control lines
• Crews remained onsite after the ignitions were completed to mop-up and patrol for any hot spots, and were supported by helicopters
• Operations are ongoing on this fire
• Today there are 63 firefighting personnel on the ground along with helicopter and heavy equipment support
• Area Restriction in effect

🔥Tower Creek Fire - W of St. Mary Lake
• No changes to report. It is classified as BEING HELD.

🔥Calamity Creek Wildfire - 40km NW of Kimberley
• BEING HELD and is being monitored
• Area Restriction in effect

🔥Diorite - 3km E of Premier Lake
• It is now classified as BEING HELD and is not expected to grow further beyond the pre-determined boundary
• It continues to be monitored

🔥Jumbo Creek Fire - 39km W of Invermere
• Area Restriction in effect
• It is being regularly monitored and is not threatening structures or critical infrastructure

🔥SOUTH COUNTRY AREA FIRES
• Ranger Lake fire 10km N of the US border remains BEING HELD
• McGuire Creek Fire 9km NW of Grasmere continues to be monitored

OTHER IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

🚫There is a full Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Ban in effect for the entire East Kootenay. The operation of any off-road vehicle (such as quads, dirtbikes, ATVs and side by sides) for recreational purposes on Crown land is prohibited.
• To report an ORV violation call the RAPP line at: 1 877 952-7277

🚫There is also a full campfire ban in effect in the region.
• NO wood based campfires are allowed.
• While ULC/CSA propane fire pits are permitted at this time, the flame height must be 15cm or less.
• To report illegal burning including wood campfires call *5555 on a cell phone or 1 800 663-5555 or use the BC Wildfire app and choose Report a Fire.

Details on these prohibitions and the latest wildfire information can be found on www.bcwildfire.ca

Over the weekend, B.C. experienced explosive wildfire activity.

Families and communities have been displaced, evacuation orders and alerts have expanded, and responders have faced incredibly challenging conditions on the ground and in the air.

For many people, it has been a difficult and uncertain time, and we know there are communities continuing to face that uncertainty today.

In moments like these, look for the helpers.

Across B.C., thousands of people are working together to protect communities and support those impacted by wildfires. Our crews are working alongside local fire departments, First Nations and local governments, structure protection personnel, contractors, equipment operators, industry partners, emergency management and search and rescue teams. We also have support from firefighters and experts who have travelled from across Canada and the world to help.

Behind them are dispatchers, pilots, mechanics, logistics teams, weather and fire behaviour specialists, support staff and countless others keeping response moving around the clock.

And within communities, neighbours are helping neighbours, volunteers are stepping up and people are opening their doors to those who have had to leave home.

There is a tremendous amount of work happening across this province.

Right now, supporting wildfire response in B.C.:

🔥 Over 1,700 firefighters, including support from around the globe
🪓 150 pieces of heavy equipment
🚁✈️ 152 aerial resources
🏠 492 structure protection and defence personnel

While responders continue doing everything they can, there are things each of you can do too.

If you aren't currently impacted by a wildfire, use this time to prepare. Conditions can change quickly, and being ready before an emergency means one less thing to figure out when it matters most. Know your evacuation plan and have a grab-and-go bag ready.

Wildfire response takes all of us. While not everyone is on the frontlines, we all have a role to play in supporting our communities, looking out for one another and helping B.C. through challenging times.

📷 Blackwater Unit Crew at work in the Cariboo Fire Centre