A heads up to people heading to Wells Gray Provincial Park as there are a pair of wildfire related closures currently in effect.
BC Parks says the areas around Kostal Lake and Pillpill Mountain will be closed to the public until further notice.
“Members of the public travelling into the park should be aware of changing conditions and be prepared to leave areas if directed,” BC Parks said, in a statement.
The Kostel Cone fire, just sound of Kostal Lake, has merged with the Majerus Lake fire, with the two estimated to be over 2,500 hectares in size. The Pillpill Range fire, located just south of the other two, is an estimated 338 hectares in size as of Monday’s update.
If you are travelling to Wells Gray Country, please be aware of several closures due to wildfire activity in the area of Kostal Lake in Wells Gray Provincial Park.
For updates from BC Parks, click here: https://t.co/UU1we2Z7iV
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All three fires, which were discovered on Sunday, July 9, are suspected to be lightning-caused.
The BC Wildfire Service is using a modified response to action these fires.
“During a modified response, a wildfire is managed using a combination of techniques with the goal to minimize costs and damage while maximizing ecological benefits from the fire,” it said. “This response method is used when there is no immediate threat to values.”
The Murtle Lake fire, which forced the closure of the Murtle Lake area for a week last month, is currently listed under control. The BC Wildfire Service says the suspected lightning caused fire burned about 1,270 hectares since its discovery on May 21.
For the latest advisories in Wells Gray Provincial Park, go here.