Sitkum Creek Wildfire 90 percent contained, Area Restriction Order rescinded
By Nelson Daily Staff
Mother Nature is making life a lot easier for BC Wildfire firefighters battling the Sitkum Creek Interface Wildfire north of Nelson.
Thanks to recent rains and an effective burnoff — July 18 — the wildfire is now 90 percent contained, allowing the Southeast Fire Centre to relax an area restriction order.
“An Area Restriction Order that was implemented for the Sitkum Creek wildfire on July 9, 2015, has been rescinded, effective immediately,” said a Southeast Fire Centre release.
“This fire is now 90 percent contained and members of the public are allowed to travel in this area due to reduced fire activity.”
Southeast Fire Centre said the wildfire, located four kilometers north of Kootenay Lake, between Sitkum and Duhamel Creeks, received up to 10 mm of rain in certain areas in the last 24 hours, which helped extinguish hot spots deep within its perimeter.
Some areas at the north end of the fire are inaccessible to crews. However many of the areas of the fire are fully contained, mopped up and are now in patrol stage.
“The public can expect to continue seeing smoke emanating from this fire, although the amount should be greatly diminished,” the Southeast Fire Centre said.
The wildfire, caused by lightning and now estimated at 770 hectares, remains in the active status. One helicopters is helping 20 firefighters through the mop up stage.
There are two other major fires burning in the district.
Parson wildfire, 12 kilometers northwest of Golden/north of the Spillimacheen River, is 100 percent contained while the Ward Creek fire, 30 kilometers west of Newgate/East of Gilnockie Provincial Park, is also 100 percent contained.
Despite the recent cool, rainy weather, the campfire ban remains in the Southeast Fire Centre.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, go to: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
