Five Wildfires of Note Burning in the Southeast Fire District
By Southeast Fire Centre
The Southeast Fire Centre (SEFC) is experiencing unprecedented hot and dry conditions challenging fire suppression efforts. Below-average spring precipitation and above seasonal temperatures accelerated the drying of forest fuels at a rate not previously observed, making them highly susceptible to ignition. British Columbia continues t
These conditions are currently challenging available firefighting resources within British
Columbia, as the rest of Canada and many areas in the United States are facing similar
challenging conditions. This means that some of the provinces and countries that would normally help out during B.C.’s fire season are currently busy fighting their own wildfires and are unable to assist as much as they could under different circumstances.
There have been 241 fire starts in the Southeast Fire Centre so far in the 2021 fire season, with 65 currently active. This is above the five year average of 133 fire starts for this time of year. The BC Wildfire Service is responding to wildfires on a priority basis within the Southeast Fire Centre. The top priority is always human life and safety. The second priority is property. The third priority is the protection of areas with high environmental values including community watersheds and species at risk. The fourth priority is resource values.
The Southeast Fire Centre is sharing resources for all priority wildfires and responding to incidents accordingly.
There are currently five wildfires of note related to the Cranbrook, Arrow, and Kootenay Lake Zones. Find daily updates on all Wildfires of Note on the BC Wildfire website, visit: www.BCWildfire.ca
Cranbrook Zone
The Bill Nye Mountain fire (N11629) is located about seven kilometres southeast of Wasa and is estimated to be 542 hetares. Structures are not immediately threatened at this time. The Regional District of East Kootenay has an evacuation alert is in place for 54 properties in the Lazy Lake, Lakit Lake, Holmes Road, and Wildhorse FSR areas. For all inquiries on evacuation alerts attached to this incident, visit the Regional District of East Kootenay: www.rdck.ca
Arrow Zone
The Trozzo Creek fire (N51705) is located about 7.5 kilometres northeast of Winlaw and is estimated to be 742 hecatres. There are no evacuation alerts or orders attached to this fire and structures are not currently threatened.
The Octopus Creek fire (N51800) is located about 11 kilometres south of Fauquier and is estimated to be 1,172 hecatres. Structures are not immediately threatened at this time. The Regional District of Central Kootenay has implemented an evacuation order for the community of Applegrove and the South Taite Creek Recreation Site. The Regional District of Central Kootenay also has evacuation alert in place for the community of Fauquier. For all inquiries on evacuation alerts attached to this incident, visit the Regional District of Central Kootenay at: www.rdck.ca
The Michaud Creek fire (N51765) is located about 21 kilometres south of Edgewood and is estimated to be 450 hectares. Structures are not immediately threatened at this time. The Regional District of Central Kootenay has implemented an evacuation order for two recreation properties in the Cinnamon Lake and Johnson Creek areas respectively. An evacuation alert is also being implemented for 331 properties in the communities of Edgewood and Needles. For all inquiries on evacuation orders and alerts attached to this incident, visit the Regional District of Central Kootenay at: www.rdck.ca
Kootenay Lake Zone
The Akokli Creek fire (N71686) is located about 7.5 kilometres east of Boswell and is estimated to be 356 hectares. Structures are not immediately threatened at this time. The Regional District of Central Kootenay has implemented an evacuation alert on 244 properties in the communities of Boswell, Destiny Bay, and Sanca. For all inquiries on evacuation alerts attached to this incident, visit the Regional District of Central Kootenay at:
www.rdck.ca
If a wildfire is threatening your community, the best information sources are your municipality, regional district, band office or local authority. Find out in advance how they’ll share vital information. To find resources to help you prepare for a potential wildfire, visit: www.firesmartbc.ca and www.preparedbc.ca.
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, please call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cellphone.
For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, conditions and prohibitions, call 1 888 3-FOREST (1 888 336-7378) or visit: bcwildfire.ca
Follow the latest wildfire news on:
- On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BCGovFireInfo
- On Facebook: http://facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo
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