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Burn out planned for Baynes area fire; Spilli flares up
The following is an update on the two wildfires burning in the East Kootenay, as provided by Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Information Officer Loree Duczek.
Baynes Lake Fire
Update: The fire saw minimal growth overnight. The BC Wildfire Service is classifying it as 25% contained. If conditions allow, they are planning a ‘Burn out’ this afternoon in a section of the fire. This is where they burn toward the active fire, which reduces the fuels and creates a natural firebreak. This will generate smoke. They continue to actively fight the fire on the ground and the from the air.
Location: The fire is burning south of Cutts Road toward the Elk River. There is still heavy smoke over the fire area, making it more difficult to estimate size. Last estimate was in excess of 140 hectares.
Resources: 35 firefighters and an Incident Commander, six pieces of heavy equipment, two helicopters and tankers as needed all day today.
Alerts and Orders
– 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
Location: It is burning in an area next to Highway 95 north of Spillimacheen. It is more active on the north side and there was a flare up in the north overnight (on the Harrogate side of the fire). They are working on machine guard lines and containment and are actively actioning the fire today. Size: Re-estimated at 54 hectares.
Resources: 30 firefighters, 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
– Evacuation ORDER: An evacuation ORDER remains in place for one home north of Spillimacheen.
– 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
There are many fires burning across the province. The BC Wildland Service aircraft and personnel are at a premium and resources are being stretched thin. They are making their best efforts at prioritizing resources and we are very grateful for the incredible work they are doing in our area.
A province-wide fire ban remains in effect.
RDEK
