Slocan Park Wildfire now 80 percent contained
By Nelson Daily Staff
Fire crews continue to make headway on the Slocan Park Wildfire located approximately two kilometers north of Highway 6 in the Slocan Valley.
The fire is now 80 percent contained, thanks in part to the hard work of the 81 firefighters and steady rains during the past few days.
One one helicopters remains working on the fire.
The fire remains active, however, crews are expected to take a full hold on the blaze that forced the evacuation alert of 40-plus residents near Slocan Park.
That evacuation alert was lifted by the Regional District of Central Kootenay Thursday.
Slocan Park Wildfire 40 percent contained; RDCK lifts evacuation alert
Mother Nature is helping fire crews fight the Slocan Park wildfire and ease the tension during the past 10 days of residents in the Valley.
The Southeast Fire Centre said the fire is now 40 percent contained while the Regional District of Central Kootenay has lifted the evacuation alert for residents between fire numbers 2826 to 3024 on Highway 6.
““Mother Nature is helping us out with this wet weather and the Southeast Fire Centre has been outstanding in its efforts to fight this fire,” said Terry Swan, regional fire chief with the RDCK.
The diligent, exhausting work of fire crews has allowed more than six kilometres of hose lay established around the perimeter of the fire.
“Ninety percent of the West flank has hose lay established and 100 percent of the East flank hose lay has been established,” said Southeast Fire officials.
“One hundred percent of the hose lay on the South flank has been established.”
Currently 101 firefighters are on the ground with six helicopters in the air. There is also 15 support staff on the ground including one Type II Incident Management Team.
The night watch team has also been released.
Despite the deluge of rain Thursday, fire crews will remain at the site until it’s fully contained.
Which is why Southeast Fire Centre officials are issuing an alert to tubers on the Slocan River.
“We are asking inner-tube recreationists, kayakers and canoeists to be extra cautious when floating down the Slocan River as a water source for use on the Slocan Park fire,” the release said.
“The public using the Slocan River should steer clear of any helicopter bucketing operations. The helicopters use closest and most appropriate water source to minimize turn-around time and increase efficiency.”
Environment Canada is calling for thunderstorms Friday with rain through the weekend.
To report a wildfire, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
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