UPDATED: Southeast Fire Centre says Sitkum Creek wildfire 30 percent contained; Mount Aylwin 10 percent
By Nelson Daily Staff
Southeast Fire Centre are beginning to get a handle on the two major wildfies in the region.
Southeast Fire Centre said Sitkum Creek and Mount Aylwin interface wildfires are 30 percent and 10 percent contained, respectively, as of Monday morning.
“The primary objective of BC Wildfire Service Crews is to limit the fire spread down slope towards the identified values,” said the Southeast Fire Centre website regarding the estimated 450 hectare Sitkum Creek Wildfire.
“Controlled fire is being used to strengthen control lines and contain the fire to the areas between Duhamel Creek and Sitkum Creek.”
Currently there are 120 firefighters on the ground battling the wildfire that started Saturday, July 4, assisted by four helicopters and six pieces of heavy equipment.
The evacuation alert issued by the Regional District of Central Kootenay Emergeny Operations Centre, which affects 350 residents in the area between Sitkum Creek South and Willow Point (Six Mile Lakes Road) continues.
Meanwhile, near Silverton the eight hectare Mount Aylwin wildfire, located approximately two kilometres south of Silverton and east of Highway 6, near the base of Mount Aylwi, is 10 percent contained.
Twenty firefighters are assisted by two pieces of heavy equipment. The wildfire did not grow Sunday night.
Firefighters constructed a helipad to help gain better access to the wildfire.
The RDCK EOC evacuation alert remains for residents who live between Enterprise Creek and Red Mountain Road along Highway 6 near Silverton.
Southeast Fire Centre focused on Sitkum Creek/Mount Aylwin wildfires
The Southeast Fire Centre continues to concentrate resources on two wildfires in the region.
The Sitkum Creek Wildfire north of Nelson and the Mount Aylwin blaze near Silverton have the Centre busy coordinating services.
The Sitkum Creek wildfire, four kilometers north of Kootenay Lake, between Sitkum and Duhamel Creeks, remains at 450 hectares. The wildfire is 20 percent contained.
During the weekend, the B.C Wildlife Service conducted proactive burn out operations.
Presently 125 firefighters, four helicopters and seven pieces of heavy equipment are battling the blaze.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre continues an evacuation alert concerning the wildfire burning on the North Shore outside of Nelson.
Approximately 350 residents in the area between Sitkum Creek South and Willow Point (Six Mile Lakes Road) have been given the evacuation alert notice, due to erratic wind conditions.
Residents will be notified should conditions worsen.
Meanwhile, near Silverton, the eight-hectare Mount Aylwin wildfire, located two kilometres south of Silverton and east of Highway 6, near the base of Mount Aylwin, is being battled by 20 firefighters, two helicopters with the support of multiple air tanker groups.
The wildfire continues to affect residents in the residents who live between Enterprise Creek and Red Mountain Road along Highway 6 near Silverton.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay Emergency Operations Centre issued an evacuation alert Saturday to 35 residents in the area.
The Southeast Fire Centre is expecting more thunderstorms through Monday.
Cooleer temperatures will be variable, but still warmer than normal in many areas today.
The BC Wildfire Service is urging the public to be extra cautious in the backcountry. All person-caused fires are preventable and these incidents may affect the ability of the firefighting crews to respond to naturally occurring fires.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
If anyone wants to show support for the hardworking firefighters, they can do so at this website .
