More than 50 fires in a single week in our region
By Kyra Hoggan
More than 50 lightning-start fires in the past week alone have kept Southeast Fire Centres busy, according to information officer Fanny Bernard.
She said there’s a small fire (less than one hectare) near Rover Creek that’s being addressed by a three-person initial attack crew supported by four 802 air tankers (and an accompanying birddog plane).
“This fire isn’t threatening any structures or communities,” Bernard said.
There are also three smaller fires in the Deer Park area, each with three-person initial attack crews and air tanker support, as well as three smaller fires in the Woodbury Creek area on Kootenay Lake just before Kaslo, and a small spot fire on Ymir Peak near Nelson.
Bernard reminds the public that hot, dry weather (with more in the forecast) has led to increased forest fire risk, and asks that people continue to be diligent in stewarding their campfires.
“Fires should be no larger than ½ metre by ½ metre, and you should have at least eight litres of water on hand or a tool, like a shovel, to put the fire out (‘out’ meaning the ashes are cool to the touch),” she said, adding the Southeast Fire Centre encourages anyone who sees a fire to report it at 1-800-663-5555.
