Human-caused fire near Castlegar under control, 174 firefighters continue to tackle Talbot Creek blaze
By Castlegar Source
A human-caused fire roughly 10 km notheast of Castlegar is under control, meaning it will spread no further, according to Fire Information Officer Kim Wright.
Meanwhile, the blaze in Slocan Valley roughly 30 km north of Castlegar continues to burn, with 174 firefighters, nine helicopters, and ten heavy equipment machines working to suppress the fire, which is now estimated to be roughly 610 hectares in size.
“Crews are patrolling the fire and seeking hot spots to cool on the south, east and west edges. Patrols in these areas are being done to ensure the fire does not spread beyond its existing boundaries,” said the Southeast Fire Centre update Wednesday. A drone scan has been requested to assist crews in identifying hot spots using infrared scanning.”
“The section of fire on the east side of McFayden Creek remains our most challenging area and the focus of significant suppression effort.
Structure protection resources remain on site as a precautionary measure
“BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has rescinded the area restriction order for the Little Slocan area. Though the area restriction is no longer in place, the Tedesco Forest Service Road (FSR) will remain closed to both industrial and non-industrial traffic. The closure begins at the 18km marker on the Little Slocan Main FSR where the Tedesco FSR branches off and includes the entire Tedesco road system. The Little Slocan Main FSR remains open. The Tedesco FSR closure remains in place to accommodate response operations, ensure the safety of firefighters, and protect public safety. This closure will remain in place until the public is otherwise notified. Details and a map of the affected area are available on bcwildfire.ca: http://ow.ly/eekA50Bj24m.”
Southeast Fire Centre officials added that, in the interest of safety, the public is being asked not to stop or slow on highway 6 or the Slocan river road to take photos of the fire. As both roads are narrow, slowing and stopping traffic can create significant safety hazards. We thank residents and visitors for their continued support and cooperation in this matter.
Community information boards are available at the Winlaw and Passmore fire departments and the Vallican Whole Community Centre.
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