After an 11-day closure, BC Parks and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) have reopened an area within Wells Gray Provincial Park due to decreased fire activity.
The Murtle Lake wildfire was discovered on May 21 and is suspected to have been started by lightning, however, it is now considered under control at 1,270 hectares.
“Current weather and conditions have reduced fire behaviour on the Murtle Lake wildfire (K20469), and BC Parks has again permitted visitors to access the area,” says the BCWS.
“Although the imminent threat of the wildfire has decreased, smoke may still be visible.”
Despite improved conditions, people who plan on visiting the Murtle Lake area should be aware that the fire is still actively burning and fire activity could still increase should above-seasonal conditions return.
The wildfire agency has been using a modified response to this fire with the goal of minimizing costs and damages while maximizing the ecological benefits of wildfire in the area.
According to the BCWS, a modified response to this fire is also used when there is no immediate threat to values or human safety.
