Manning Park (with files from CTV) – The worst case scenario for the Labour Day Long Weekend. Lighting strikes that started the Heather Lake Wildfire in Washington State’s Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest have now affected Manning Park in BC.
The fire started August 21 and now charred over 400 hectares.
Smoke has drifted into the Eastern Fraser Valley over Chilliwack Lake and Cultus Lake.
The fire and smoke has choked the park and CTV reports that Wildfire BC advises campers and vistors to get out.
From Manning Park :
The resort is fully open and operating as normal. This includes our accommodations, Loon Lagoon, Boathouse, Pinewoods Dining Room, Country Store and full-resort facilities. It is currently under evacuation alert.
From BC Parks:
Wildfire Evacuation Order and Alert
The Heather Lake wildfire has resulted in the immediate closure and evacuation order for a number of trails and facilities south of highway 3. These include the Monument 78 and 83 trails, the Pacific Crest trail, the East and West Similkameen trails, the Windy Joe trail and the Frosty Mountain trail from the PCT to the Frosty Mountain junction, as well as Monument 78 and the PCT backcountry campgrounds and the Windy Joe lookout. See attached map delineating these closures, as well as the broader area under evacuation alert. Please do not enter closed areas, and remain vigilant in areas of alert. This wildfire is also resulting in dense smoke, especially East of Manning Park Resort
In the interest of public safety, BC Parks is providing this notice to visitors. Wildfire crews are actively monitoring and may be working in the is area. In the event of changing wildfire conditions, visitors in this park may receive limited notice to evacuate.
Retrieve up-to-date wildfire information from the official sources, such as the BC Wildfire Service, the local Regional District, and Drive BC.
From BC Wildfire Service:
The Heather Lake wildfire crossed the Canada/US border yesterday and is estimated at 400 hectares.
The fire is exhibiting aggressive fire behaviour but is not currently threatening any communities, infrastructure or Highway 3.
A BCWS Incident Management Team, along with a Type 1 Structure Protection Unit, have been deployed to the incident. BC Parks and BC Wildfire staff continue to assess and monitor the fire.
For information on current area restrictions, evacuation orders and alerts relating to this wildfire, go to www.bcparks.ca.
Local area residents will experience wildfire smoke over the next few days and are encouraged to contact BC Environment for updated air quality advisories or visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/air/air-quality/air-advisories.
Wildfires of Note
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Heather Lake (V11746)
Last updated: Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 11:07 AM (4.4 hours ago)
Location: E.C. Manning Park
• See approximate location of this wildfire on an interactive map
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Discovered: Sunday, August 21, 2022
Size: 400.0 hectares (estimated)
Maps & Photos: There are no maps or photos available for this fire.
Status: Active
This fire is burning Out of Control.
Interface: This is not an interface fire.
More information
The Heather Lake Fire originated in the United States in the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest and has crossed the border into the E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The fire is exhibiting aggressive fire behavior and is highly visible from Highway 3. At this time, no structures or Highway 3 are immediately threatened.
The BC Wildfire Service is working collaboratively with the US Forest Service and BC Parks to manage this incident. For more information on this fire, visit www.bcparks.ca.
Cause: Lightning 
This fire is suspected to be naturally caused by lightning.
Resources
An Incident Management Team and a Type 1 Structure Protection Unit have been deployed to this incident.
