Washington Stickpin fire shows minimal growth toward border
No evacuation alerts or orders for Christina Lake or Grand Forks
A raging wildfire in Washington state that is burning 4.5 kilometres south of the Canadian border has seen minimal growth to the north.
There have been no evacuation alerts or orders issued for Christina Lake or Grand Forks in British Columbia due to the Stickpin fire.
The fire is mapped at 190 square kilometres and is only 15 per cent contained.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says the fire remains a strong concern and it will send resources including two 20-person attack crews Saturday to survey its northern flank.
Fire information officer Fanny Bernard says the wildfire service is completing reconnaissance and finalizing plans today.
She says U.S. crews have been working extremely hard on the blaze and that Canadian firefighters will take control of its northern section.
"In the event that the B.C. Wildfire Service provides air support to this fire, it is likely Christina Lake would be used as a water source for amphibious skimmer aircraft," the service said on its website.
"Boaters can help with suppression efforts by immediately proceeding to the nearest shore if they see a plane approaching the water."
Fire officials say they plan to establish containment lines and strengthen them with burn-out operations. The wildfire service warns people may see an increase in smoke as these operations are carried out.
Paulson Pass fire
Meanwhile, fire crews are working to get the upper hand on the 300 hectare, lightning-caused Paulson Pass fire, just 15 kilometres north of Christina Lake and west of Highway 3.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says crews are constructing fire breaks down its northwest and southwest flanks and, conditions permitting, are planning burn-off operations on its western edge.
The fire is highly visible from Highway 3 which was closed briefly Friday night, but is now open to single lane alternating traffic.
With files from Canadian Press