BC Wildfire Service bulletin – Sunday 11 am
***
The wildfire which started west of Rock Creek near Highway 3 is currently estimated at 3750 hectares.
The larger estimated size of this fire today (Sunday)is due to increased visibility in the area which has permitted more accurate mapping. The majority of the fire’s growth took place on August 13, but heavy smoke previously limited mapping capabilities.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has completed an assessment of damage in the area and has confirmed that 29 homes and additional structures have been lost.
An Evacuation Order and an additional Evacuation Alert issued by the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary remains in effect. For more information, please visit: http://www.rdkb.com
BC Wildfire Service crews are working with structural protection firefighters from throughout the region to protect life and property. The public is asked to avoid the Evacuation Order area. Entering the evacuation area can delay firefighting activities, contribute to the growth of the fire and possibly put more values and people at risk. Safe fire suppression efforts depend on the support and understanding of the public.
Today (Sunday) , crews are working to reinforce and extend control lines on the north and south flanks by establishing machine-guard and fuel-free areas.
More than 100 BC Wildfire Service firefighters are being supported by seven helicopters, 14 pieces of heavy equipment and airtanker groups as necessary.
The closure of a section of Highway 3 west of Rock Creek has now been lifted. A section of Highway 33 remains closed. For more information on these closures, please visit:
http://www.drivebc.ca
The cause of this wildfire is under investigation, but it is suspected to be human-caused. All human-caused wildfires are preventable and unnecessarily divert firefighting resources from naturally occurring fires.
The Southeast Fire Centre is urging everyone to be cautious when in the backcountry and refrain from any activities that may cause a wildfire.
The BC Wildfire Service thanks the public for its ongoing support in reporting wildfires. To report a wildfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell.
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
You can also follow the latest wildfire news on:
- Twitter at http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
- Facebook at http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
