A social media photo shows a pyrocumulonimbus cloud formed by the Calcite Creek wildfire. CTV News
A significant wildfire near Manning Park in British Columbia, known as the Calcite Creek fire, has become so intense that it has created its own weather system. On Sunday afternoon, the blaze produced a pyrocumulonimbus cloud, which is a type of cloud formed by wildfires or volcanic eruptions that generates thunder and lightning.
The BC Wildfire Service explains that this phenomenon isn't unusual for very hot, large fires. Taylor Shantz, a fire information officer, noted that such fires can burn so intensely that they affect local weather conditions. The Calcite Creek fire is estimated to cover 4,100 hectares, though this number might be an understatement due to the difficulty in accurately assessing the fire's perimeter amidst the generated weather conditions.
Driven by strong winds, the fire has crossed into Washington state, prompting coordination between local crews and the BC Wildfire Service to manage the situation. In response to the fire’s progress, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation order for 16 properties in the Pasayten area near Highway 3. These properties are mostly used for recreation, and local officials report that residents have complied with the evacuation order. An evacuation alert remains for the Eastgate and Placer Creek areas, advising residents to be prepared to leave quickly if necessary.
Meanwhile, another fire along Highway 99 north of Squamish has been brought under control. This fire is believed to have started from a car fire. Currently, British Columbia is dealing with over 300 active fires, with eight classified as significant wildfires. The Shetland Creek fire, which is one of these significant fires, has grown to cover more than 260 square kilometres.
With thunderstorms and high winds expected in the coming days, the fire conditions are likely to worsen. The BC Wildfire Service emphasizes the importance of evacuating affected areas to ensure the safety of both residents and firefighting crews. "We understand that it's tough to leave your home and these are stressful times for people," Shantz said. "However, having the public out of the way allows our crews to operate effectively and safely."
