RDCK Press Release: July 5, 12:30am – Evacuation Alert In Place for Duhamel/Sitkum Creek Wildfire
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre has imposed an evacuation alert concerning the wildfire burning on the North Shore outside of Nelson.
Residents in the area between Sitkum Creek South and Willow Point (Six Mile Lakes Road) are affected by this precautionary measure (see map below), due to erratic wind conditions. Residents will be notified should conditions worsen.
RDCK mapping indicates there are approximately 350 residences in the impacted area.
The alert will be in effect until further notice. The Emergency Operations Centre is currently functioning at Level One.
Please check the RDCK’s website, www.rdck.ca and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/rdcentralkootenay for further updates.
From the Nelson Star:
Jordan Turner at the wildfire centre in Castlegar reported at 8:30 this morning that the fire at Duhamel and Sitkum Creeks has reached approximately 150 hectares in size.
He said there are 25 firefighters at the fire with more to come during the day. “Helicopters and air tankers will be working the fire throughout the day,” he said.
The speed with which the fire progressed down the mountain during the night is typical of “aggressive fire behaviour across the province,” said Turner.
An evacuation alert was issued last evening by the Regional District of Central Kootenay with a link to a map of the area affected.
This story and reporter Will Johnson’s account with photos of his visit to the fire last evening will be updated.