Village of Salmo Establishes Precautionary Emergency Operations Centre
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Village of Salmo said in a media release it has established a satellite Level 1 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) as a precautionary measure to monitor, collaborate and communicate with emergency management stakeholders related to the McCormick Creek wildfire currently located 20 kilometres outside of the Village limits in the Pend d’Oreille area north of the Canada/USA border.
“(Thursday) morning the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) EOC issued an “Evacuation Alert Update” for the 23 properties in the Nelway/Area G that are under the alert,” the Village release said.
“At this time, the Shambhala Music Festival is not under any Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order, however the RDCK is working with festival organizers and the RCMP in the event that an evacuation becomes necessary.”
“The establishment of this Level 1 Salmo EOC is a precautionary measure only to ensure full emergency preparedness,” the release added.
In a release Thursday evening, the RDCK said it would work with BC Wildfire to receive updates on progress and any fire growth.
The RDCK said at this time visibility is limited which is preventing any detailed assessment of the fire athis time but BC Wildfire has confirmed that it still remains on the south side of the Salmo River.
The Village of Salmo said it will post regular updates will be posted to the Village website (www.salmo.ca), Village of Salmo Facebook page (www.facebook.com/VillageofSalmo) and the Salmo Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Salmo-Fire-Department-363855880401716/)
“Everyone is encouraged to sign up for the RDCK Emergency Alert System by visiting www.rdck.ca ,” the release said.
The BC Wildfire Service said the McCormick Creek fire has grown to an estimated size of 100 hectares. Smoke can be seen from Highway 6.
Currently, 25 firefighters are battling the blaze with the assistance of two helicopters and a piece of heavy equipment.
“Crews are working on this fire today with the aid of helicopters, airtankers and heavy equipment,” said the BC Wildfire Service. “This fire is burning in steep terrain close to power lines.”
