The RDKB Emergency Operations Centre is advising that unless there is a change in the wildfire situation the next update can be expected at 12:00pm August 24, 2015.
THERE ARE NO EVACUATION ALERTS FOR GRAND FORKS OR CHRISTINA LAKE AT THIS TIME.
Wildfire Update for August 23, 2015.
There will be a Rock Creek fire residents meeting on Monday August 24, 2015 from 7pm – 9pm.
If you were impacted by the recent wildfires, please attend this meeting to find out what services are available to you. For more information www.RDKB.com
Lynch Creek:
This fire is located 25km north of Grand Forks and is approximately 200ha and 10% contained.
The BC Fire Service is working on containment of the east flank of this fire.
Smoke from this fire is visible to the residents of the North Fork area.
Stickpin Fire:
The BC Fire Service is monitoring the winds that are impacting the direction of the fire. The fire is approximately 18,858ha and 15% contained.
Significant resources are being mobilized to Christina Lake in preparation should the winds push the fire to the north-east.
Personnel from the BC Wildfire Service have completed a reconnaissance of the northern section of the fire. BC Wildfire Service personnel are on standby and will join U.S firefighting crews today.
The public can expect to see an increase in smoke as these operations are carried out.
In the event that the BC Wildfire Service provides air support to this fire, it is likely ChristinaLake would be used as a water source for amphibious skimmer aircraft. Boaters can help with suppression efforts by immediately proceeding to the nearest shore if they see a plane approaching the water. A spotter plane sounding an alarm will signal the approach of air tankers.
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov or www.bcwildfire.ca
Rock Creek Fire:
The fire is approximately 4,534ha and is 50% contained.
Ministry of Agriculture is working with farmers to restore internet services so supplies can be ordered for livestock. Smokey conditions may be expected in the Midway, Greenville and Rock Creek areas. Much of the smoke is originating from fires in the United States.
This area contains multiple potential hazards, including active wildfire, “danger trees” (trees whose root systems have been weakened by fire activity), heavy equipment use and downed power lines.
Entering any restricted 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.
The Resiliency centre remains open in Midway at: 692 7th Ave. Midway BC. 250.449.2310
Paulson Fire:
The Paulson fire is currently 300ha and the Crews are continuing to mop-up on the western and north flanks and conducting burn off operations.
This fire is highly visible from HWY 3. The Highway was closed briefly last night, however, it is now open to single lane alternating traffic with the assistance of a pilot car.
Big Sheep Fire:
The Big Sheep fire is approximately 190ha and is 30% contained. There will be an area road closure later in the day, with access for residence only. Please monitor www.Drivebc.ca for updates. The closure is expected to take place at the bottom of Big Sheep Creek Road. Crews are establishing control lines on the south flank today.
Public access restriction is in effect for the areas around the Big Sheep Creek wildfire west of Rossland. This restriction takes effect immediately and remains in force until the public is otherwise notified. This restriction is being put in place to protect the safety of the public and firefighting personnel and closes the Seven Summits trail at the intersection of Red Resort to the intersection at the Old Cascade Highway. The Seven Summits trail remains open from the Nancy Greene Summit to Red Mountain Resort
Important Links
http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/FireCentrePage.asp
EmergencyInfoBC Online source for emergency alerts about natural disasters and provider of public education and preparedness information.
DriveBC Road conditions and closures
BC Air Quality The Air Quality Health Index is a health protection tool that is designed to help you make decisions to protect your health by limiting short-term exposure to air pollution and adjusting your activity levels during increased levels of air pollution.
Interior Health During a forest fire, be aware of health risks associated with exposure to smoke, food safety in power outages, and water quality.
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov USA wildfire information
http://t.co/0yUz27vC1U Wildfire Smoke information
www.wsdot.com For Travel Alerts in the USA
Highway 33 is now open. Travel from Rock Creek to Kelowna is now possible along this highway. From Rock Creek to Beaverdell there is a 60km/h speed limit in effect. Please watch for work crews and livestock. Drivers be advised that Rock Creek to Westbridge is still an active fire area and crews are patrolling for fire activity. The BC Fire Service is aware of smoke and hot spots. Please do not report these incidences to keep phone lines open for emergencies.
Please remember to drive safely. Be aware of service and flagging crews, and fire crews that are working on our roadsides.
For more information go to www.RDKB.com
*Picture – Rough Country Photography