RDCK provides general up update and more on Syringa Creek wildfire
By Regional District of Central Kootenay
We have had some good news in the past week. In general, the cooler nights and shorter days are having a positive effect. The Evacuation Order for the Broadwater Road area north of Deer Park was downgraded to an Evacuation Alert, as was the Evacuation Order for the Sheep Creek Road area south-east of Salmo. That means that the threat has diminished enough that people in those areas can return to their homes, but they should stay prepared to evacuate if things change.
But we are not out of the woods yet. Over the long weekend, significant winds combined with dry conditions to increase fire activity in the southern portion of the region. The forecast calls for continued dry conditions with increased temperatures later in the week, although with less wind. This means that we will see continued fire activity, and the likelihood that Evacuation Alerts currently in place will remain in place for the near term.
Rain would definitely help, but it is also the hard work of BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) crews and contractors helping to hold the line. The RDCK Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is in regular contact with the Southeast Fire Centre based in Castlegar, so we can monitor the fires that residents in our region are concerned about.
We have heard people asking about the SYRINGA CREEK wildfire. According to the BCWS, as smoke dissipates, this fire will become more visible from surrounding communities including Castlegar. Crews have done great work with aircraft supporting when visibility allows. A wind warning and fire behaviour advisory were issued again today. Crews and equipment had to be relocated into safer terrain yesterday when the winds picked up. The south guard is being worked on today and crews are progressing along the east and west flank of this fire. Helicopter pads are now available to provide access in this steep and challenging terrain and for bladder tanks to provide water to crews. The fire perimeter is regularly monitored from the air.
To access current information about the Syringa Creek fire or other wildfires, visit the BCWS Interactive Wildfire Map. https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=ef6f11c8c36b42c29e103f65dbcd7538
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