New fire near Birchbank golf course; regional update
By Trail Champion
Initial attack crews are dealing with a fire across the highway from the Birch Bank Golf Course, according to the EOC’s Larry Abenante. While they can’t yet provide information as to the size of the fire, he says one helicopter and three bombers are attacking the blaze, which was reported at roughly 4 p.m. today.
Meanwhile, the wildfire on the Paulson Pass hasn’t grown – it’s still 260 hectares – and is zero per cent contained.
Abenante says there are 44 firefighters attacking the fire, with two helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment.
“Flaggers are monitoring traffic for safety, but the highway is open,” he added.
A 75 hectare, lightning-caused fire near Big Sheep Creek 10 km west of Rossland is also zero per cent contained, and has 20 firefighters, two helicopters and airtanker on scene. This fire is not threatening any structures or communities.
The fire west of Rock Creek is now 4,260 hectares, but officials are reporting that it is 25 per cent contained now. The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has completed an assessment of damage in the area and has confirmed that 30 homes and additional 15 structures have been damaged or destroyed.
“This wildfire is uncontained and extremely dangerous. Anyone entering the evacuation area will be putting themselves and firefighters at risk. This area contains multiple potential hazards, including active wildfire, “danger trees” (trees whose root systems have been weakened by fire activity), heavy equipment use and downed power lines,” the Southeast Fire Centre cautions. “Entering the evacuation area can delay firefighting activities, contribute to the growth of the fire and possibly put more values and people at risk. Safe fire suppression efforts depend on the support and understanding of the public.”
Finally, a 560-hectare fire near Deer Creek, 30 km northwest of Castlegar, remains zero-per-cent contained but, due to its remote location, is posing no threat to buildings or infrastructure.
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