Times Chronicle Staff
Gusting winds have pushed the Nk’Mip Creek wildfire over containment guards at the western base of Mt. Baldy, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
“The fire has jumped containment guards at the western base of Mount Baldy and is currently burning upslope to the top of the mountain with Rank 5 fire being observed,” the BCWS reported on its Facebook page.
The fire is also active on the north, but air tankers have laid retardant lines to prevent spread of fire into the drainage to the north.
This incident is currently experiencing heightened fire activity on the north eastern front due to gusting winds up to 60 km/hr.
“Structure protection crews have set up sprinklers within the Mt. Baldy resort area and will remain onsite with RCMP personnel overnight tonight for structure protection,” says the BCWS.
Mt. Baldy is under evacuation order and no residents will be allowed into the area.
The BCWS says strong winds will create extreme fire behaviour, however, calmer winds are expected by midnight.
The size of the fire is still estimated at 17,800 hectares.
