Fire Update July 7, pm

Good afternoon everyone.  Here is the update.  They are making good progress on things.

With the potential for gusting winds this afternoon, we will be watching the weather closely.

Loree

Baynes Lake Fire (N10269)

·        Update: Fire is now classified as being 75% contained and is mapped at 117 hectares.  The burn off yesterday on the southwest corner of the fire went well and helped created a containment line. They are focusing on the southeast corner of the fire today.  The Rocky Mountain Unit Crew that has been on the fire is getting relieved by a Sustained Action Crew that has been brought in from Ontario.

·        Forecast:  The forecast is calling for the chance of a thunderstorm system to cross the area. If that system materializes, it could have gusting NW winds of 60 km/hr.  There may be limited precipitation (showers) with that system.

·        Resources:  47 firefighters, 4 pieces of heavy equipment, helicopters and tankers as needed today. 

·        Alerts and Orders:

o   Evacuation ALERT - Baynes Lake, Kragmont and South:  An evacuation ALERT remains in place for Baynes Lake and the area previously under Order (the area south of 1347 Waldo Road, including the community of Kragmont and an area south of the river). 

Spillimacheen Fire

·        Size: 54 hectares - no growth.

·        Location:  Classified as 30% contained. It is burning in an area next to the Highway north of Spillimacheen.  It continues to be active on the north side. They are continuing to work on increasing containment.

·        Resources:  43 firefighters, 5 heavy equipment and aerial support. The RDEK’s Windermere Fire Department Structural Protection Unit has protected two homes close to the blaze.

·        Alerts and Orders:

o   Evacuation ORDER:  An evacuation ORDER remains in place for one home north of Spillimacheen.

o   Evacuation ALERT: An alert is in place for the area south of the RDEK Boundary, east of Columbia River south to Westside Road in Spillimacheen.

Other

·        A Province-wide fire ban remains in effect.

·        Next update: Wednesday, July 8/15 mid-afternoon (unless there is a significant change)

Loree

250.919.3489