Kimberley, B.C., city of about 9,000, placed under evacuation alert as nearby out-of-control wildfire grows
The city of Kimberley, British Columbia, has issued an evacuation alert for all residents due to the rapidly growing Matthew Creek wildfire. Additional alerts have been issued for nearby properties near St. Mary Lake as crews struggle to access the mountainous terrain.
Why it matters
Wildfires in mountainous regions pose significant threats to local infrastructure and public safety, highlighting the increasing risks of climate-driven natural disasters.
The alert covers all properties within Kimberley’s municipal boundaries, affecting roughly 9,000 people. Residents are not being ordered to leave but are being told to prepare in case conditions worsen.
The Matthew Creek wildfire was discovered Saturday and is estimated to be 5.67 square kilometres (567 hectares) as of Sunday evening.
The B.C. Wildfire Service says the fire began at high elevation in steep, mountainous terrain that is unsafe for crews to access directly.
It says strong winds, steep slopes and spruce-balsam forest helped drive rapid growth. The blaze was burning as a highly vigorous and fast-moving fire Saturday but crews say fire behaviour had eased by Sunday.
Officials warned the fire could become more visible from surrounding communities during the hottest and driest part of the day.
Heavy equipment has been mobilized with three helicopters responding to the wildfire.
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