‘Several structures’ destroyed by wildfire that exploded in size south of Golden

(UPDATE: July 25 @ 3 pm) – Hwy 95 has reopened between Golden and Radium Hot Springs.

The highway was closed late Wednesday after it was reported that a wildfire had jumped the highway.

(Original story: July 25 @ 2:15 pm) – The Town of Golden has confirmed that there has been structure loss as a result of the Dogtooth FSR wildfire.

Last measured at an estimated 133 hectares on Tuesday morning, the wildfire exploded in size on Wednesday night but the BC Wildfire Service has not been able to update that estimate.

“Heavy smoke has prevented officers from getting a track of the fire,” says the latest update from BCWS around noon today. “A response officer is working to get a track and the size will be increasing significantly.”

The exponential growth was obvious Wednesday night as the fire moved a significant distance to Hwy 95, jumping the road and forcing the closure of the route between Golden and Invermere.

In the process, the Town of Golden says “several structures” were destroyed just south of the Canadian Timber Frames plant, which is around 20 kilometres south of Golden.

The Town says it's unable to report on the extend of damage to specific locations or neighbourhoods at this time.

“Elevated sustained and gusty winds drove aggressive fire behaviour, challenging containment lines in the afternoon on Wednesday through the overnight period and into the early morning,” the BCWS update explains.

“Crews were forced to tactically pull back from the fire and switched their focus to structure protection. Wind cleared the heavy smoke long enough for air tankers to put down retardant ahead of the community in the evening before visibility became too poor again for safe flying.”

The Town says the fire has advanced north toward Golden on the west side of Hwy 95 and the Columbia River, and the BCWS says crews continue to work on structure protection and defence in that area.

“Smoke continues to obscure visibility,” the BCWS says. “Helicopters will support ground operations wherever possible.”

The BCWS adds that air tankers will resume work on the fire when visibility improves.

That could be soon, as it has been raining in the Golden area for much of the morning and the BCWS expects cooler temperatures to help subdue fire behaviour as well.

In the meantime, Hwy 95 remains closed south of Golden, but the Town noted that it’s likely to reopen pending a reevaluation of the area.