McCormick Creek Wildfire Evacuation Order reduced Tuesday
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Regional District of Central Kootenay is reducing the Evacuation Order in the McCormick Creek wildfire area to an Evacuation Alert, commencing Tuesday (August 22) at 6 p.m.
The decision comes after close consultation between the RDCK and BC Wildfire Service.
“Residents will be allowed to return to their homes at 6 p.m. (Tuesday),” the RDCK Emergency Operations Centre said in a media release Monday.
“Structural Protection Unit crews need unimpeded access to properties to safely remove their equipment from the area.”
The RDCK said residents are advised that although they will be allowed to return to their homes, they will remain on Evacuation Alert and should be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
“The Evacuation Alert area to the north will be rescinded Tuesday at 6 p.m.
The public wanting to travel to the United States will also be able to use the Nelway Border Crossing after 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The road from the Highway 3/6 junction to the Canada/USA border has been closed due to the McCormick Creek wildfire.
The McCormick Creek wildfire, located approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Salmo in the Pend d’Oreille area, is 50 percent contained. The wildfire is currently estimated at 410 hectares with 54 firefighters, one helicopter and six pieces of heavy equipment fighting the blaze.
Other wildfires of interest include:
Morley Creek (formally Kokanee Creek)
- BC Wildfire Service says the Morley Creek fire is now 100 percent contained with 20 firefighters on scene to extinguish any hot spots.
- The lightning-caused fire located 15 kilometres north of Nelson, is listed at 80 hectares.
Harrop Creek
- The 2532 hectare Harrop Creek wildfire is also 100 percent contained.
- Approximately 20 firefighters are being supported by one helicopter to extinguish any hot spots.
- The Harrop Mainline and East Harrop Mainline Forest Service Road remains closed to the public at this time to aid in fire suppression efforts and to keep the public safe.
Galena
- The Galena fire, aproximately five kilometres east of Galena Bay, is 50 percent contained.
- Twenty-one firefighters are on scene fighting the wildfire, visible from Highway 23 and from the Galena Bay ferry landing and surrounding area.
Rapid Creek
- The Rapid Creek fire north of Lardeau has grown to an estimated size of 750 hectares.
- The wildfire status remains active.
For more information about Evacuation Orders and Alerts, and other information pertinent to evacuees, visit the evacuation information page on the RDCK’s website at: http://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/emergency-management/evacuation-order-and-alert-page.html
Further wildfire information can be found on the RDCK’s wildfire information page at: http://www.rdck.ca/EN/main/services/emergency-management/wildfires.html
