Canada Post suspends deliveries until smoke clears enough for carriers to be safe
Castlegar, Trail, Nelson and Cranbrooks residents will not be receiving mail delivery today, and perhaps not for a few days to come, either, as the majority of B.C. remains blanketed in heavy wildfire smoke. In a Facebook post today, Canada Post said the following: |Due to poor air quality in central and southern British Columbia […]
Talbot Creek fire grows to roughly 1,000 hectares, smoke keeps helicopters grounded
In an update Monday, BC Wildfire Services said the Talbot Creek wildfire has grown to an estimated 1,000 hectares, and heavy smoke blanketing the region is preventing helicopters from flying until conditions improve. "Smoke is expected to remain in the area for several days and could continue to limit suppression options....
Explainer: What’s in wildfire smoke, and why is it so bad for your lungs?
By Luke Montrose, for The Conversation If I dare to give the coronavirus credit for anything, I would say it has made people more conscious of the air they breathe. A friend texted me recently after going for a jog in the foothills near Boise, Idaho, writing: “My lungs are burning … explain what’s happening!!!” A wildfire ...
Talbot Creek fire remains out of control, now covers 725 hectares
Much of the smoke in valley today is the result of a weather inversion trapping smoke from the Talbot Creek wildfire in the Slocan Valley, as well as from fires in the U.S. There are currently 129 firefighters, nine helicopters and 10 heavy equipment machines attacking the Talbot Creek blaze. In an update posted today, BC...
Mountie launches the first children’s book in a series about the Musical Ride: Harry the Musical Ride Horse
For Katherine Hansen, joining the RCMP Musical Ride in 1996 was a dream come true. As a little girl growing up on a farm in Penticton, Katherine was horse-crazy. But it was when she saw the Musical Ride at age six, that her future path became crystal clear. From that moment on, I had a vision to become a Mountie and ride in...
Fire destroys Rossland home
A suspicious trailer fire in the 800 block of Monte Vista Drive in Rossland brought firefighters from Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue, and RCMP officers, out at 5:55 in the morning on September 5, 2020. The fire completely destroyed the home and damaged vehicles parked on the property, and spread to the neighbouring...
Human-caused fire near Castlegar under control, 174 firefighters continue to tackle Talbot Creek blaze
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...
Investment brings new support to those most vulnerable to COVID-19 and communities where they live
The Province is investing $1.6 billion in a fall and winter preparedness plan that will significantly build upon and strengthen measures that respond to the health-care requirements of COVID-19. The plan will provide new support to seniors in long-term care homes and assisted-living facilities, by ensuring more British...
GLOWS Launches First Bilingual Science & Tech Program in the Kootenays
For Science Week 2020, GLOWS will highlight Kootenay Biodiversity with unique multimedia educational programming The GLOWS (Growing & Learning Opportunities with STEAM) youth program, run by KAST (Kootenay Association for Science and Technology) is launching its first ever bilingual program, BiodiversiTV Multimedia...
Kootenay communities take note: 10-year-old inspires others to 'climb for Alzheimers'
Not many 10-year-olds would consider spending their birthday climbing the 2,830 steps up the notoriously challenging Grouse Grind® – but young fundraiser Talia Yorish is determined to make a difference. 2020 marks the her third time in the Climb for Alzheimer’s, a fundraising challenge to raise awareness and funds for the...