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Cranbrook, BC (August 10, 2022) – The BC Wildfire Service is expecting to be able to start a planned ignition operation on the Connell Ridge wildfire as early as 11 a.m. today. Ground crews and helicopter bucketing support are prepared to support the ignition operation, which will be conducted by a a heli-torch. A heli-torch is an attachment that will be suspended from a helicopter with a fuel source that the pilot can control. Under direction of the ignition specialist, the pilot will control the torch direction and intensity and ignite fuels in the predetermined ignition area. Residents should expect to see more smoke visible from the fire.

During the ignition operations, ground crews and the ignition specialist will be constantly observing on-site weather, wind direction and wind speed. If conditions on-site change at any point this morning, the ignition operation will not proceed today.

The Evacuation ALERT for 6 properties on Gold Creek FSR south of Baker Mountain remains in effect.

For the most updated information on this fire / planned ignition, visit the Fires of Note page for Connell Ridge.

City of Cranbrook Public Works staff have also implemented an enhanced water quality monitoring program for the Gold Creek water source.  This program involves monitoring the Gold Creek water impoundment daily, and collecting water samples to ensure there are no impacts from the wildfire.  At this time no impacts to the water quality have been identified, and this program will be updated as conditions change.