UPDATE – August 22, 2017
McCormick Creek Wildfire – Evacuation Order Reduced to Evacuation Alert
In consultation with BC Wildfire Service, the Regional District of Central Kootenay will be reducing the Evacuation Order in the McCormick Creek wildfire area to an Evacuation Alert on August 22 at 6pm.
Residents will be allowed to return to their homes at 6pm tomorrow. Structural Protection Unit crews need unimpeded access to properties to safely remove their equipment from the area. Residents are advised that although they will be allowed to return to their homes, they will remain on Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice. The Evacuation Alert area to the north will be rescinded today at 6pm.
Highway 6 and the Nelway Border Crossing will also be opened on August 22 at 6pm.
For more information about Evacuation Orders and Alerts, and other information pertinent to evacuees, visit the evacuation information page on the RDCK’s website at:
http://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/emergency-management/evacuation-order-and-alert-page.html
Further wildfire information can be found on the RDCK’s wildfire information page at:
http://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/emergency-management/wildfires.html
UPDATE – AUGUST 17, 2017:
All Evacuation Orders and Alerts Remain in the RDCK
BC Wildfire Service reports no rapid growth to the current wildfires being fought in the RDCK area. However, due to upcoming weather conditions, it’s been advised that all Evacuation Orders and Alerts remain in place until fires are deemed contained and safe. These include:
Rapid Creek Wildfire – Evacuation Alert
McCormick Creek Wildfire – Evacuation Order
McCormick Creek Wildfire – Evacuation Alert
Visit the new RDCK Evacuation Information web page that provides current updates for all Evacuation Orders, Alerts, Rescinds and information specific to evacuees. Go to: http://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/emergency-management/evacuation-order-and-alert-page.html
During urban interface fire threats, the BC Wildfire Service will call on our Structure Protection crews to protect homes, businesses, farms, utilities and other assets. These specialized crews are trained and certified and can be deployed to any location in BC or elsewhere.
With concern for homes in affected areas including Poplar Creek, Harrop Proctor and Nelway/Rosebud Lake areas, BC Wildfire Service put out a request for structure protection to the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC). The OFC deployed a crew from various RDCK fire departments which included Balfour Harrop, Beasley, Blewett, Canyon Lister, Kaslo, North Shore, Ootischenia and Tarrys Volunteer Fire Departments.
Crews set up exterior sprinkler systems to each structure with reservoir that creates a humidity bubble and wets the roof area as well as the areas surrounding the structure. This mitigates the damage from sparks and approaching wildfire.
The RDCK is proud of the level of training our firefighters have achieved and their diligence in keeping our community safe. We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to BC Wildfire Service and their hardworking crews, along with the Australian Incident Management team that have been flown in to assist.
August 16, 2017: North Shore Evacuation Alert Rescinded:
The Evacuation Alert for a portion of the North Shore has been rescinded. The alert was issued in response to the Kokanee Creek fire, started by lightning over the weekend.
B.C. Wildfire Service advised the Regional District of Central Kootenay on Tuesday afternoon that the threat posed by the fire has diminished enough to allow for the rescind of the alert.
The Evacuation Alert and Evacuation Order remain in place for the McCormick Creek wildfire.
The Evacuation Alert remains in place for the Rapid Creek wildfire.
UPDATED: Aug 16, 2017: Wildfire Crews Making Headway on Fire Suppression
MORLEY CREEK WILDFIRE (Previously named KOKANEE CREEK WILDFIRE)
Approximate size: 80 hectares. The weather has been extremely helpful in suppressing growth of wildfire with the recent 22-25 mm of rain. BC Wildfire Service reports that air and ground crews continue with their direct attack techniques as conditions allow.
As of noon yesterday, the Evacuation Alert for 135 residents was rescinded, but we ask residents to continue to remain vigilant.
MCCORMICK CREEK WILDFIRE
Approximate size: 337 hectares
BC Wildfire Service reports that the fire is 40% contained with ground and aerial crews continuing to work to suppress the fire. Fifty-one personnel are on site today building fire guards with the aid of 4 helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment. There was no significant growth overnight on this fire and no structures have been lost.
Highway 6NS remains closed in both directions between the BC/Washington border and the Junction with Highway 3. The Nelway Border crossing remains closed and there is a detour via Highway 3 to Creston. All Evacuation Alerts and Orders remain in place at this time with no new alerts to report.
HARROP CREEK WILDFIRE
Approximate size: 2,500 hectares. This fire is currently burning in steep and complex terrain. Reports from the Australian Incident Management team confirm that the fire is in ‘mop-up’ stage and may be contained with the next few days, weather permitting.
The Harrop Mainline Forest Service Road and East Harrop Mainline Forest Service Road are closed to the public at this time to aid in fire suppression efforts and to keep the public safe. The fire continues to produce large amounts of smoke and will be highly visible in and around the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. People with respiratory issues may wish to contact their health professionals.
RAPID CREEK WILDFIRE
Approximate size: 500 hectares. BC Wildfire crews continue to monitor the fire and have not seen significant change. The Evacuation Alert remains in place at this time.
The RDCK would like to emphasize the importance of staying clear of firefighter personnel, vehicles and equipment in the area and on forest service roads. Road closures have been put in place for life safety reasons and must be obeyed.
Visit BC Wildfire website to view maps and updates
The RDCK EOC will provide further updates as information becomes available.