Another property under RDCK evacuation alert due to Merry Creek Wildfire
Based on the recommendation from BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert for 1473 Meadowbrook Drive due to the Merry Creek Wildfire (N51165). Thirty-one properties will remain under an Evacuation Order. The RDCK EOC originally...
BREAKING: Suspect in Trail homicide arrested
The Southeast District Major Crime Unit (SED MCU) is continuing its investigation into the Canada Day Eve homicide in Trail and can now confirm arrest of the suspect, according to a press release issued Friday. On July 1, 2021 a 33-year-old Trail man was arrested in relation to the Wednesday evening homicide. He has since...
UPDATE: Merry Creek Fire an estimated 15 hectares Friday morning
BC Wildfire Service updated their information at 8:57 a.m. Friday, indicating the Merry Creek wildfire is still an estimated 15 hectares and considered out of control. An evacuation order has been implemented for 31 properties in electoral area J, while the City of Castlegar has downgraded their evacuation order to an alert....
What to do if under an evacuation order or alert
Due to the ongoing threat of wildfires to communities and citizens, many communities around British Columbia have been put on evacuation order or evacuation alert, and the Province is asking people to be prepared. Individuals in communities that have been placed under an evacuation alert must be prepared to leave their homes...
UPDATE: Evacuation alerts issued for more parts of Castlegar
An interface wildfire near Castlegar has grown to seven hectares and is zero per cent contained, according to BC Wildfire Service, but the City of Castlegar Emergency Operations Centre says the blaze within city limits is contained. Twenty-five firefighters, two airtankers and two helicopters are attacking the fire. "At 5:20...
OP/ED: An update on BC’s last remaining old growth forests
Earlier this month, as public pressure mounted in Fairy Creek, across the province, and right here in the West Kootenays, the BC NDP Government finally honoured the request of the Pacheedaht, Ditidaht, and Huu-ay-aht First Nations, and deferreding (temporarily stopped) old-growth logging in the Fairy Creek watershed and central...
FortisBC shatters record peak summer demand for power
In a media release Tuesday, FortisBC said the power company hit a new summer record for peak hourly demand on our electric system Monday. “The peak load was 735 megawatts,” a FortisBC media rep said in an emailed statement. “This exceeded the record set the previous day, which was 673 megawatts.” “By comparison, previous to […]
Campfires prohibited in British Columbia
Effective at noon (Pacific time) on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires will be prohibited throughout the province of British Columbia. This prohibition will remain in effect until noon on Oct. 15, 2021, or until the order is rescinded. The provincial weather forecast calls for record-breaking...
RCMP locate, rescue dog being hauled along highway inside crate
RCMP investigated after public reports of a dog in a crate strapped to the rear of a recreational trailer travelling between the lower mainland and the South Okanagan. On June 27 at 8:21 p.m., the Keremeos RCMP received a call from a concerned member of the public after they recognized a recreational trailer travelling on...
Five arrested in Trail as police investigate suspected drug trafficking
On Thursday, June 24, at around 3 p.m., Trail and Greater District RCMP executed a search warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act on a residence and recreational vehicle in the 1000 block of Birch Avenue, in Trail. "RCMP officers conducted an investigation into alleged drug trafficking believed to be occurring...
