Quilpituk Creek wildfire grows to 1,238 hectares; planned ignition operation set for Sunday
The out-of-control blaze near Port Moody has grown 100 hectares in recent days. BC Wildfire Service is preparing controlled burns to remove fuel between the fire and established control lines.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The Quilpituk Creek wildfire has grown to an estimated 1,238 hectares and remains out of control, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The blaze has expanded roughly 100 hectares since its last recorded size. Three sets of evacuation orders and one evacuation alert related to the Quilpituk fire remain in place.
BC Wildfire Service has committed over 120 firefighters, 11 helicopters, 40 pieces of heavy equipment and 67 structure protection units to Quilpituk and the nearby Bradley Creek fire, which is being held.
Weather conditions Sunday will influence operations. If conditions allow, the BC Wildfire Service plans a controlled ignition operation on the west flank of the Quilpituk blaze on Sunday, August 9. The operation would remove approximately 100 hectares of potential fuel between the fire perimeter and established control lines. Smoky conditions may limit solar heating and moderate overall fire activity despite forecasted warming.
Temperatures are expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius by 5 p.m. Sunday, with winds shifting south-southwest and gusting 25–30 km/h. Humidity will drop to 17 per cent.
BC Hydro is operating along Westside Road restoring powerlines and assessing danger trees near infrastructure. Westside Road remains closed to the public north of the 4400-block.
The facts
How large is the Quilpituk Creek wildfire?
The Quilpituk Creek wildfire covers an estimated 1,238 hectares and remains out of control.
What is the BC Wildfire Service planning for Sunday, August 9?
The BC Wildfire Service plans a controlled ignition operation on the west flank of the Quilpituk Creek wildfire on Sunday, August 9, to remove approximately 100 hectares of fuel between the fire perimeter and established control lines, weather permitting.
How many firefighters and helicopters are assigned to the Quilpituk and Bradley Creek fires?
The BC Wildfire Service has committed over 120 firefighters and 11 helicopters to both the Quilpituk Creek and Bradley Creek fires.
What is the weather forecast for Sunday, August 9?
Temperatures are expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius by 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, with south-southwest winds gusting 25–30 km/h and humidity dropping to 17 per cent.
