Washington Stickpin fire shows minimal growth toward border

A raging wildfire in Washington state that is burning 4.5 kilometres south of the Canadian border has seen minimal growth to the north.

There have been no evacuation alerts or orders issued forChristina Lake or Grand Forks in British Columbia due to the Stickpin fire.

The fire is mapped at 190square kilometres and is only 15 per cent contained.

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The B.C. Wildfire Service says the fireremains a strong concern and it will send resources including two 20-person attack crews Saturday to surveyitsnorthern flank.

Fire information officer Fanny Bernard says the wildfire service is completing reconnaissance and finalizing plans today.

She says U.S. crews have been working extremely hard on the blaze and thatCanadian firefighters will take control of its northern section.

"In the event that the B.C. Wildfire Service provides air support to this fire, it is likely Christina Lake would be used as a water source for amphibious skimmer aircraft," the service said on its website.

"Boaters can help with suppression efforts by immediately proceeding to the nearest shore if they see a plane approaching the water."

Fire officials say they plan toestablishcontainment lines and strengthenthem with burn-out operations. The wildfire service warnspeople may see an increase in smoke as these operations are carried out.

Paulson Pass fire

Meanwhile, fire crews are working to get the upper hand on the 300 hectare, lightning-caused Paulson Pass fire, just 15kilometres north of Christina Lake and west of Highway 3.

The B.C. Wildfire Service says crews are constructing fire breaksdown its northwest and southwest flanks and, conditions permitting, are planning burn-off operations on its western edge.

The fire is highly visible from Highway 3 which was closed briefly Friday night, but is now open to single lane alternating traffic.

Google Map: Stickpin and Paulson Pass fires