Home »
Evacuation Alert lifted on Doctor Creek Wildfire
With the Doctor Creek wildfire now classified as being held, and on the recommendation this morning of the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has lifted the Evacuation ALERT affecting five properties in the vicinity of the fire.
“We want to thank residents, recreationalists and visitors for their cooperation and understanding over the past few weeks and are happy to see things on the fire front at a point where we are able to lift the remaining Evacuation Alert,” said RDEK Emergency Management Program Information Officer Loree Duczek.
The Provincial Area Restriction that applies to all Crown land within the vicinity of the fire remains in effect.
“It is important for everyone to understand this remains an active fire and an active work site, so people need to ensure they know and respect the Area Restriction,” added Duczek. “The restriction is in place to keep us all safe and to allow the crews to work safely. The current smoky conditions and lower visibility only increase the importance of staying out of the affected area.”
The State of Local Emergency, which has been in effect since August 19, has also been rescinded today.
“We are so fortunate to have had the dedicated resources and expertise on this challenging fire and want to extend our gratitude to the BC Wildfire Service, the Incident Management Teams, all the firefighters, equipment operators, pilots and other personnel for their efforts,” added Duczek.
The BCWS today reports the Doctor Creek wildfire is estimated at about 8,090 ha.
“Today crews will continue patrolling the fuel free and using small-scale hand ignitions as needed to further establish a 50 ft black line from the control lines in towards the fire. If conditions permit, a small-scale aerial ignition operation will occur to establish a 100 ft black line by removing the remaining pockets of fuel between the fire perimeter and the control lines in cut block,” BCWS explained.
“The remainder of the gear is being demobilized from the northern and eastern flanks. Crews will continue patrol and hot spotting. Rehabilitation plans have been completed for this section of the fire and work began yesterday.”
There are 88 firefighters along with four helicopters and eight pieces of heavy equipment working the fire today.
Lead image: A helicopter beginning a drop on Doctor Creek on Sept 11. BCWS photos
e-KNOW
