Several campsites, hiking areas closed in Wells Gray Provincial Park due to group of wildfires

As a result of several out of control wildfires, BC Parks and the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) have decided to close a few camping, recreating and hiking areas in Wells Gray Provincial Park.

In a release, the BCWS says four fires are currently burning in the provincial park north of Kamloops.

The largest being the Kostel Cone fire, which is estimated at more than 13,470 hectares.

“This wildfire merged with the Majerus Lake wildfire (K21382) on July 13, 2023. The growth observed on this fire on July 18 was towards the east and northeast,” says the BCWS.

This fire is not showing any growth towards the south or west and the southern flank is considered stable, the fire agency adds.

In addition, the Pillpill Range fire is estimated at 439 hectares, the Ovis Creek fire is estimated at about two hectares while the Murtle Lake fire is sitting at about 1,270 hectares but is the only incident considered under control.

Although there are several fires burning in the provincial park, the BCWS continues to provide a modified response.

“A monitor response is used when the BC Wildfire Service observes and analyzes the wildfire area and fire behaviour but does not immediately suppress the wildfire,” says the fire agency.

“The decision to provide this kind of response is often made in areas, like BC Parks, where wildfires are allowed to burn to achieve ecological benefits from the fire when there is no immediate threat to values.”

Regardless, in response to this group of wildfires, the areas around Kostal Lake, PillPill Mountain and all West Arm campsites and trails in the Murtle Lake vicinity have been closed.

For a full breakdown of the closures in Wells Gray, visit the BC Parks website.

This is the second closure in the park this season.

In early June, the Murtle Lake wildfire forced the closure of campsites in the area. They reopened after 11 days, on June 20.