RDKB Wildfire Update, Aug. 21, 3:45 p.m.
By RDKB
Overview
· There are currently more than 151 fires burning within the Southeast Fire Centre.
· Evacuation alert rescinded for 22 addresses near the Toronto Creek Fire as that fire is now under control.
· 58 addresses remain on Evacuation Alert in the RDKB in two areas near the Santa Rosa and Lynch Creek fires.
· Winds continuing from the north and east through tonight. Switching to south or southwest flow tonight / tomorrow. The warmest days will be Wednesday and Thursday. Smoke has lessened with northeast winds. Possibility of showers this coming weekend. Potential shift to seasonal weather next week.
· ESS, Red Cross and local municipalities are on high alert across the RDKB, significant advanced planning is underway to ensure access to reception centres and group lodging sites is available if necessary.
· The RDKB Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains activated at Level 1 to support wildfire response in the RDKB.
Fires of Note
China Creek Fire
· About 5 km west of Genelle, 22 hectares, burning at an elevation of 1600 metres.
· Poor access to this area, burning in steep and rocky terrain.
· Discovered yesterday using satellite technology as the smoke was too thick for this to be visible from the ground or air.
· BCWS will be fighting this fire; the RDKB EOC is monitoring this developing situation and will advise the public if concerns develop.
Horns Mountain / Santa Rosa Fire:
· This fire has crossed over into BC, burning along the Santa Rosa summit.
· 1266 ha, 25% containment on the US side.
· The area of fire within BC is approximately 231 hectares.
· The fire took a slight excursion to the west yesterday with north-easterly winds on the US side, firefighters are working to contain that. More resources are being deployed to this fire on the Canadian side.
· Over 425 firefighters are working this fire in the US, 14 firefighters and heavy equipment working on the Canadian side.
· Unified command between agencies is ensuring that BC and Washington crews are cooperating on control and containment lines.
· Fortis has technicians in the area helping to coordinate right of way crossings and to ensure assets are protected.
· Burn off operations may be undertaken on this fire when appropriate.
· Challenging terrain and heavy timber. 33 address in Big Sheep Creek and Santa Rosa on Evacuation Alert. As a note, there are a number of smaller fires burning in the Sheep Creek area as well and all are being actioned.
· Daily updates for the Horns Mountain fire can be found at this US website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6138/
Lynch Creek Fire:
· This fire is located in the Granby River valley north of Grand Forks.
· 161 hectares in size, 0% contained but now classified as “being held.”
· This fire is 100% guarded with machine guard and wet lines. Crews continue to mop up and patrol for hotspots.
· 25 addresses on North Fork Road on are on evacuation alert. The homes in this area will remain on evacuation alert until this fire can be classified by BCWS as “under control”.
· Lynch Creek Forest Service Road is closed to the general public.
· Structural assessments completed in that area for possible Structural Protection Unit deployment.
· This fire is being supported by resources from Saskatchewan.
Toronto Creek Fire:
· This fire is burning on the east side of the Granby River valley near kilometer 13 on Granby Road.
· 11 hectares, 100% contained, 100% guarded and now classified as under control rather than out of control. Crews adding to containment lines.
· Evacuation alerts are rescinded for 22 addresses on Granby and Volcanic Creek Roads.
· This fire started from a lightning strike on August 11 and grew quickly in dry grass, brush and timber.
Kettle River Fire:
· This fire is burning south of Midway, BC in the US on the eastern flank of Granite Mountain.
· 21 ha, 75% contained.
· Washington DNR has committed resources on site – 110 personnel on site fighting this fire including assets from the National Guard.
· Ferry County (US) has evacuation alerts in place.
