Wildfire Crews Making Headway on Fire Suppression
By Nelson Daily Staff
BC Wildfire crews maybe seeing a bit of light at the end of this long fire season tunnel as firefighters appear to be making headway said the Regional District of Central Kootenay Emergency Operation Centre in a media release Wednesday.
“The weather has been extremely helpful in suppressing growth of wildfire . . ..” the RDCK EOC said in the release, speaking about the Morley Creek Wildfire — previously named Kokanee Creek Wildfire.
“BC Wildfire Service reports that air and ground crews continue with their direct attack techniques as conditions allow.”
The RDCK said as of noon Tuesday, the Evacuation Alert for 135 residents was rescinded.
However, the RDCK EOC asks residents to continue to remain vigilant.
The Morley Creek Wildfire is currently estimated at 85 hectares in size.
The wildfire is zero percent contained as crews battle the fire that is located on steep, difficult terrain.
Reports on other Wildfires include:
MCCORMICK CREEK WILDFIRE
Approximate size: 337 hectares .
BC Wildfire Service reports that the fire, located 20 kilometres southwest of Salmo, is 40 percent contained with ground and aerial crews continuing to work to suppress the fire. Fifty-one personnel are on site today building fire guards with the aid of four helicopters and 12 pieces of heavy equipment.
There was no significant growth overnight on this fire and no structures have been lost. Highway 6NS remains closed in both directions between the BC/Washington border and the Junction with Highway 3. The Nelway Border crossing remains closed and there is a detour via Highway 3 to Creston.
All Evacuation Alerts and Orders remain in place at this time with no new alerts to report.
HARROP CREEK WILDFIRE
Approximate size: 2,532 hectares.
This fire is currently burning in steep and complex terrain. Reports from the Australian Incident Management team confirm that the fire is in ‘mop-up’ stage and may be contained with the next few days, weather permitting. The Harrop Mainline Forest Service Road and East Harrop Mainline Forest Service Road are closed to the public at this time to aid in fire suppression efforts and to keep the public safe.
The fire continues to produce large amounts of smoke and will be highly visible in and around the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. People with respiratory issues may wish to contact their health professionals.
RAPID CREEK WILDFIRE
Approximate size: 500 hectares.
BC Wildfire crews continue to monitor the fire, located north of Lardeau, and have not seen significant change. The Evacuation Alert remains in place at this time.
“The RDCK would like to emphasize the importance of staying clear of firefighter personnel, vehicles and equipment in the area and on forest service roads.
“Road closures have been put in place for life safety reasons and must be obeyed.”
