One week of heat wave sees 719 sudden deaths in BC, three times the usual
Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner, has released the following statement about public safety during the heat wave in British Columbia: “Over the past week, the BC Coroners Service has received an unprecedented number of reports of sudden and unexpected death throughout the province. Over the seven days from Friday, June 25 through...
Another property under RDCK evacuation alert due to Merry Creek Wildfire
Based on the recommendation from BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has issued an Evacuation Alert for 1473 Meadowbrook Drive due to the Merry Creek Wildfire (N51165). Thirty-one properties will remain under an Evacuation Order. The RDCK EOC originally...
BREAKING: Suspect in Trail homicide arrested
The Southeast District Major Crime Unit (SED MCU) is continuing its investigation into the Canada Day Eve homicide in Trail and can now confirm arrest of the suspect, according to a press release issued Friday. On July 1, 2021 a 33-year-old Trail man was arrested in relation to the Wednesday evening homicide. He has since...
UPDATE: Merry Creek Fire an estimated 15 hectares Friday morning
BC Wildfire Service updated their information at 8:57 a.m. Friday, indicating the Merry Creek wildfire is still an estimated 15 hectares and considered out of control. An evacuation order has been implemented for 31 properties in electoral area J, while the City of Castlegar has downgraded their evacuation order to an alert....
RDCK issues evacuation order for a total of 31 properties as Merry Creek fire reaches 15 hectares
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has expanded its Evacuation Order to include three more properties for a total of 31 properties in Electoral Area J due to the Merry Creek Wildfire (N51165) 8 kilometres SW of Castlegar. The Evacuation area covers residential addresses on 14th Ave., Fernwood Drive, Highway 3,...
Evacuation order downgraded to 'alert' in the face of Merry Creek interface fire
Based on the current status of the Merry Creek Wildfire and favouralbe weather expected overnight, the Evacuation Order issued at 14:22 hrs has been rescinded but the areas remain under an Evacuation Alert. This is for the following areas: Meadowbrook Drive Tassone Place Highland Drive Castleview Care Centre During this...
What to do if under an evacuation order or alert
Due to the ongoing threat of wildfires to communities and citizens, many communities around British Columbia have been put on evacuation order or evacuation alert, and the Province is asking people to be prepared. Individuals in communities that have been placed under an evacuation alert must be prepared to leave their homes...
UPDATE: Evacuation alerts issued for more parts of Castlegar
An interface wildfire near Castlegar has grown to seven hectares and is zero per cent contained, according to BC Wildfire Service, but the City of Castlegar Emergency Operations Centre says the blaze within city limits is contained. Twenty-five firefighters, two airtankers and two helicopters are attacking the fire. "At 5:20...
Mountie and paddle boarder extracted by helicopter after heroic river rescue
A Mountie in BC’s Columbia Valley is being celebrated for risking his own life to save another. The police officer, a four-year member of Canada’s national police force and accomplished swimmer, jumped into action on Tuesday to guide a paddle boarder, struggling against the river’s current, safely to shore. On June 29, 2021...
OP/ED: An update on BC’s last remaining old growth forests
Earlier this month, as public pressure mounted in Fairy Creek, across the province, and right here in the West Kootenays, the BC NDP Government finally honoured the request of the Pacheedaht, Ditidaht, and Huu-ay-aht First Nations, and deferreding (temporarily stopped) old-growth logging in the Fairy Creek watershed and central...
