New mapping shows merged Brooks Creek/July Mountain fire at over 20,000 hectares
Aug 17, 2021 | 9:02 AM
James Peters
MERRITT, B.C. — On Monday, the BC Wildfire Service confirmed that the July Mountain wildfire had jumped the Coquihalla highway and merged with the Brooks Creek fire. At that time the July Mountain fire was estimated at 8,000 hectares, this morning its 20,860 hectares.
“This fire has seen significant growth in the northern and north eastern flanks as of August 16, 2021. After jumping Highway 5, the Coquihalla, the fire merged with the Brook Creek wildfire and these are now being managed as one fire. The new size was mapped to 20,860 hectares from the air today by aerial crews,” reads the file.
Currently 130 properties in the TNRD have been evacuated due to the fire. The Coldwater Band also issued an evacuation order for Reserve #2 late Sunday night.
BC Wildfire Service continues action this fire with over 50 personnel, multiple helicopters and multiple pieces of heavy equipment. Contract personnel are assisting on this incident.
It’s believed the fire was sparked by lightning.
