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Alberta Parks updated information as B.C. fire impacts MD of Pincher Creek

Aug 4, 2018 | 5:06 PM

LETHBRIDGE ––  The South-east B.C. fire responsible for smoke in the MD of Pincher Creek and other areas in Southern Alberta continues to move toward the Alberta Border.  What was originally called the Wise Creek fire is now being called the Sage Creek fire and is less than six kilometres from the border.

The wildfire was first reported Friday morning and has expanded significantly in the Flathead area, about 65 kilometres southeast of Fernie.  It now covers about 1,016 hectares and is producing a large column of smoke.

The blaze is being actively fought by the B.C. Wildfire Service, as it burns upslope and is predicted to connect with the edge of the Kenow wildfire from the fall of 2017, which should provide a fuel break.

It’s expected that smoke will continue to plague the M.D. of Pincher Creek and a precautionary air quality advisory remains in effect for all Southwest Alberta.

Alberta Parks has provided the following recommendations:

— Visitors to the Castle Region should stay mobile and in close proximity to their campsites.

Backcountry travel is postponed in the Castle Wildland and Provincial Parks in the area

— Residents with livestock near the southeast section of Castle Wildland Park should continue to monitor the fire status and official information sources.

— It’s recommended that MD of Pincher Creek residents have a 72-hour emergency kit available.