Wildfire in Hope, BC: Situation Update

The wildfire in Hope, BC, has been growing and spreading out of control since its flare-up on Saturday, August 2. As of Monday afternoon, August 4, the fire has reached 1.5 hectares in size, nearly tripling its original size. Despite efforts by the Hope Fire Department and the BC Wildfire Service, the fire is expected to continue smoldering in the steep slopes of Silver Creek throughout the summer, with flare-ups remaining possible and requiring further aircraft operations.

Key Takeaways:

• The wildfire has grown to 1.5 hectares in size as of Monday afternoon, August 4, with the potential to spread beyond the current perimeter.
• The fire was initially discovered on July 2 and had flared up to 0.8 hectares on July 6 before being held.
• The BC Wildfire Service has resumed control operations from the air, with a rapattack crew, contractor crews, danger tree fallers, an initial attack crew and officer, and water bucketing helicopters on site.
• The fire is located near the Serpent's Back trail, above the Silver Creek Travel Centre, and is burning in upslope terrain that is very steep and difficult to access.
• The causes of the fire, suspected to be human-caused, are currently under investigation.
• The BC Wildfire Service defines an out-of-control wildfire as one that is spreading or anticipated to spread beyond the current perimeter.
• The District of Hope has asked residents and travelers to stay clear of the area, with the parking lot to the trail closed to the public as of Sunday afternoon.

Statistics:

• The wildfire has reached 1.5 hectares in size as of Monday afternoon, August 4.
• The fire had previously been under control before flaring up on Saturday, August 2, and spreading out of control by Sunday afternoon, August 3.

Sources:

• Hope Standard, August 4 (with files from Jessica Peters)
• District of Hope, July 11 press release