Wildfires force some residents out of their homes in Southeast Fire Centre
By Nelson Daily Staff
RCMP and BC Sheriffs are now patrolling the Moyie Lake area after the Regional District of East Kootenay implemented a full evacuation order for the area due to the aggressive nature of the Lamb Creek wildfire Sunday.
Patrols were instituted after the Regional District of East Kootenay issued an Evacuation Order Moyie Lake area.
The RDEK also implemented an Evacuation Order for some areas on the west side of Lake Koocanusa, and an Evacuation Alert for some areas on the east side of Lake Koocanusa, effective immediately.
Additionally, as a precautionary measure, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District has issued an evacuation alert for Heather Lodge and CP Railway work yard effective immediately.
All of these Alerts and Orders are in effect and were put in place Saturday evening.
Lamb Creek wildfire
- Located about five kilometres northwest of the community of Moyie and 18 kilometres southwest of Cranbrook.
- This 220-hectare wildfire is in difficult terrain containing volatile fuel types that will challenge fire suppression operations.
- Sunday there are 35 personnel on site building fire guards with the aid of heavy equipment, helicopters, airtankers and crews are setting up sprinkler protection units.
- For detailed information about this evacuation order, people should call the Regional District of East Kootenay at 250 426-2188 or visit the district’s website at http://www.rdek.bc.ca
Linklater Creek wildfire
- Located 18 Kilometres southwest of Newgate (65 kilometres southeast of Cranbrook). This 130-hectare wildfire has 19 personnel on site today working with airtankers, helicopters and heavy equipment.
- The portion of the fire that has crossed the border has not experienced significant growth however the portion in the USA has grown eastward.
- As a precautionary measure, in the interest of public safety, the Regional District of East Kootenay has implemented an Evacuation Order for some areas on the west side of Lake Koocanusa, and an Evacuation Alert for some areas on the east side of Lake Koocanusa, effective immediately, Sept.2, 2017.
- For detailed information about this evacuation order and alert, people should call the Regional District of East Kootenay at 250 426-2188 or visit the district’s website at http://www.rdek.bc.ca
Mountain Creek wildfire
- The BC Wildfire Service is working in conjunction with Parks Canada on the Mountain Creek fire that’s burning in Glacier National Park.
- Due to increased wind activity and continuing hot and dry conditions, this fire experienced some growth. Currently three helicopters are working on this fire.
- To learn more about the Mountain Creek fire and others fires burning in Glacier National Park, please visit the Parks Canada website at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/glacier
- As a precautionary measure, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District has re-issued an evacuation alert for Heather Lodge and the area (same area as on Aug 4, 2017) outlined in green on the district’s document posted at: http://ow.ly/C8x330ecbqy
- Anyone who wants to learn more about this evacuation alert can call or email the Columbia Shuswap Regional District using the contact information included in that document.
With increased wind activity expected in the Southeast Fire Centre, paired with the hot and dry conditions continuing in the region, the BC Wildfire Service is anticipating an increase in fire behaviour as we head into the long weekend.
The Southeast Fire Centre extends from the U.S. border in the south to the Mica Dam in the north and from the Okanagan Highlands and Monashee Mountains in the west to the B.C.-Alberta border in the east. The Southeast Fire Centre includes the Selkirk Natural Resource District and the Rocky Mountain Natural Resource District.
To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca
You can also follow the latest wildfire news:
* On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
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