UPDATED: Both Sitkum Creek and Mount Aylwin Evacuation Alerts rescinded
By Nelson Daily Staff
On the advice of the BC Wildfire Service, the Regional District of Central Kootenay Emergency Operations Centre has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for residents in the area of the Mount Aylwin wildfire.
The active wildfire, reported Friday and located two kilometres south of Silverton and east of Highway 6, near the base of Mount Aylwin, had put a handful of residents in the Enterprise Creek and Red Mountain Road area on evacuation alert.
The Sitkum Creek evacuation alert ended Monday.
RDCK rescinds Evacuation Alert for residents in the Sitkum Creek Wildfire area
The Regional District of Central Kootenay Emergency Operations Centre has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for the 350 residents in the area between Sitkum Creek South and Willow Point (Six Mile Lakes Road).
The decision, due to recent precipitation and reduced fire activity on the Sitkum Creek wildfire near Nelson, was made upon recommendation of the BC Wildfire Service.
The Sitkum Creek Wildfire is 50 percent contained.
The Southeast Fire Centre said in a media release that control lines above properties in the area have been established and reinforced, and these actions along with favourable weather and weather forecasts have significantly reduced the risk to public safety.
However, an access restriction around the Sitkum Creek wildfire issued on July 9, 2015, will remain in force until the public is otherwise notified the Southeast Fire Centre said.
“This restriction has been put in place to protect the safety of the public and firefighting personnel,” the release said.
A map of the restriction areas is available online.
This Sitkum Creek Wildfire remains highly visible from the city of Nelson, surrounding areas and Highway 3A.
Currently 120 firefighters, four helicopters and six pieces of heavy equipment remain battling the fire that is estimated at 450 hectares.
The Mount Aylwin wildfire near Silverton continues to burn and is 10 percent contained.
Twenty firefighters and two helicopters are conducting full suppression on this fire.
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, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
