Quilchena Creek wildfire near Merritt grows to 808ha; reclassified as ‘being held’

It previously noted the human-caused fire was displaying Rank 2 and Rank 3 behaviour, meaning a low to moderately vigorous surface fire.

The Quilchena Creek wildfire ignited Wednesday afternoon and grew to 150 hectares before it was classified as being held on Thursday. However, just a few hours later, it was reclassified as as out of control fire, which had then ballooned to 550 hectares in size.

“The additional growth that has occurred on this incident since it was originally considered Being Held at 150 hectares is not due to increased or aggressive fire behaviour, suppression efforts or challenges to suppression efforts, but due to traditional cultural burning practices being conducted adjacent to the incident,” the BC Wildfire Service statement added.

“The majority of this fire is contained to the Hamiliton Creek IR #7, and the objective remains to keep the fire within Hamiliton Creek IR #7 boundaries as we continue to work with LNIB regarding the management of this incident.”

While its not clear how exactly the fire started, the LNIB issued a statement Friday defending cultural burns, saying it has played a crucial role in preserving grassland ecosystems, fostering the growth of medicinal plants, and supporting livestock.

“Fire has proven to be an invaluable tool in mitigating drought impacts, reducing tick infestations, and controlling invasive species, helping ensure that our reserves remain productive and resilient,” the LNIB statement said. “By bringing together traditional knowledge and modern practices, we are better equipped to respond to these evolving pressures.”

“We value the relationship we have with BCWS and will continue to strengthen this partnership moving forward.”

The LNIB also said it would allow Natural Resource Officers access to the Hamilton Creek Indian Reserve No. 7 until next Friday (April 17) so they could conduct an investigation into the fire.

– With files from Aaron Schulze

by Victor Kaisar

Quilchena Creek wildfire near Merritt grows to 808ha; reclassified as ‘being held’

Our Community