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This page will be updated with general emergency information updates and links that may be helpful. Below you will see updates - please note the date and time updates were posted as most recent will appear closer to the top.
Current Evacuation Alerts / Orders
Campfire Ban in Place for Entire East Kootenay
The entire East Kootenay is under a total Fire / Campfire Ban which will remain in place until further notice. All rural areas of the RDEK are included in the ban. In the municipalities (Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, Canal Flats, Invermere and Radium), there may be other municipal bylaws / regulations that apply, so you should check with your municipality.
Specifically, prohibited activities include:
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campfires, as defined in the Wildfire Regulation: http://www.gov.bc.ca/wildfirelegislation
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the burning of waste or other materials
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stubble or grass fires of any size over any area
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the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, tiki torches, chimineas, burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description
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the use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for target practice)
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the use of air curtain burners (forced air burning systems)
To report a fire: *5555 from a cell, or toll free 1-800-663-5555
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: http://www.bcwildfire.ca
EVENING UPDATE: Island Pond Fire (posted: Aug 1/17 @ 6:00 PM)
The fire is now estimated at 1150 hectares. The south and southeast flanks of the fire are currently holding well with machine guarding and air support – as they’ve laid down both water and retardant again today. They have also done some machine guarding from the south to the east flank today and are continuing those efforts.
The fire is more active currently on the northeast side and that area will be their next focus for guarding.
The evacuation alert remains in effect for the 51 residences between Island Pond and the north end of Premier along with the campground at Premier Lake.
The smoky conditions are expected to continue and it could remain windy or gusty though tomorrow.
New Estimate on Fire Size After Fly Over (posted: August 1/17)
There was a lot of smoke over the fire yesterday which made it difficult to get an idea of the growth of the fire. The BC Wildfire Service flew it this morning – they are now estimating the size to be 650 hectares. Some of that growth occurred yesterday, they were not able to fly the fire due to smoke to get an updated estimate beyond the 150 hectares.
They have 40 personnel on it, 1 helicopter, air tanker support, 5 pieces of heavy equipment, and have some machine guard and retardant guard on the south flank.
The evacuation alert remains in place for the Island Pond to north end of Premier Lake (including the campground).
Next update will be this afternoon (approx 3 PM).
Evacuation Alert Issued for Island Pond / Premier Lake Area (posted: July 31/17)
A precautionary evacuation ALERT has been issued for 51 properties in the Island Pond / Premier Lake area as a wildfire continues to burn between Skookumchuck and Canal Flats. CLICK HERE FOR MAP OF EVAC ALERT AREA.
“An evacuation alert informs residents of the threat of a potential or impending danger. It is intended to give people time to gather things and prepare themselves so that they are ready to go should the situation worsen and an Evacuation Order be issued,” explains Information Officer Loree Duczek. “We encourage people within the evacuation alert area to put together important papers (like insurance papers), medications, valuables, supplies for children and pets, and other important items so that in the event things progress and they are asked to evacuate, they are ready to go.”
The fire, which was sparked yesterday when a tree fell on a powerline, is currently estimated at 150 hectares in size and is being actively actioned by the BC Wildfire Service both by ground and air.
In addition to the residential properties, the Provincial Campground at Premier Lake is included in the evacuation alert area. “If people plan to move RV trailers or boats, the alert stage is the time to do that. If an evacuation order is issued, there is no time to allow that to happen.”
“We need to stress that at this time, we have only issued an alert and it is a great time to take steps to be prepared.”
An information line has been set up at 250-426-2188 or toll free 1-855-346-2188. For more information on the stages of evacuation and tips on how to prepare in the event of emergencies, visit http://www.rdek.bc.ca
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For the latest status of wildfires, visit http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status
Highway Closed Between Canal Flats and Skookumchuck Due to Grassfire (updated: July 30/17)
The Highway is closed between Canal Flats and Skookumchuck due to a grassfire that has sparked after a tree hit a powerline. The fire is now estimated at 80 hectares in size.
The SE Fire Centre has air tanker and helicopters on it from the air along with 27 personnel and heavy equipment.
No word on when the highway will reopen.
Middle Fork Fire Update (east of Fairmont) and General update (posted: July 30.17)
There is a fire of note to mention that will be more visible to those of you in the Columbia Valley. Its located on the Middle Fork of the White River approximately 40km east of Fairmont as the crow flies. The fire was discovered within the last day or two and was originally estimated at 70Ha and is burning towards an old fire from 2003. It has been generating quite a bit of smoke, and this morning the smoke cleared enough that they were able to fly it and get a better sense of the true size. It is now estimated to be 280 hectares. They have a unit crew on it and it’s burning in a remote area well away from communities/structures. They have closed the Middle Fork Forest Service Road at the 45.5km mark to protect public safety.
There are just over 30 fires burning in the SE Fire Centre, but there are no other fires of note in our region presently. The Ward/Bloom Fire west of the Koocanusa area has not shown significant growth and is being held.
On the weather front, it is hot and dry for the next few days. It could be windy this afternoon, settling down tonight and we could see the smoke from fires in the Cariboo/Kamloops and Northern Washington blow in and settle into the valley bottoms (especially overnights). There is a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms/lightning along the Rockies into Tuesday but no foreseeable rain in our forecast.
General Weather / Fire Update (posted: July 27/17)
There will likely be some unsettled conditions this afternoon into this evening with the chance of a few convective cells (isolated thunderstoms) developing across the region. If those thunderstorms do develop, there will likely be gusty winds with them. There is a possibility of dry lightning across the East Kootenay as well, and it will likely be a little windier overall into tonight. Things should settle out by tomorrow and it looks like another sunny weekend ahead.
The Bloom / Ward Fire in the Koocanusa area is currently at about 39 hectares and today they have 36 personnel and 1 helicopter working on it. No communities or structures are threatened at this time.
There is some smoke blowing into the region from the fires in the Cariboo and Kamloops region as those fires are producing more smoke in the past 24 hours.
While there are still a number of smaller fires burning in the SE Fire zone, none are of concern at this time. To view more, visit the BC Wildfire website.
New Fire - Lower Loom Creek (west of Koocanusa) Posted: 7:06 PM July 25/17
There is a new fire this afternoon located approximately 27km west of Koocanusa in Lower Loom Creek. It is approximately 15 Hectares in size and is not currently threatening structures or communities. The SE Fire Centre currently has two air tankers responding along with an Initial Attack crew and Officer.
The smoke plume may be visible in the Baynes Lake / Koocanusa area and you’ll potentially see the air tankers if you are in that area.
Quick Update on East Kootenay Fires (posted: July 25/17 4:00 PM)
The Shepp Creek Fire (35+km east of Elko) that was burning in a remote area of the Flathead is essentially out. There are 8 BC Wildfire firefighters continuing to mop up hot spots, but it is WELL in hand.
This afternoon, a fifth wheel trailer caught fire while being driven on Newgate Road (in the South Country/Lake Koocanusa area). The driver was able to stop and detach the trailer from the vehicle. The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) responded immediately with helicopter support and the Baynes Lake Fire Department responded to provide assistance to the BCWS. Big props go out to the campers and residents in the area who immediately took action and had the fire well in hand before crews arrived.
I’ve attached a photo of our Baynes Lake firefighters putting some water on the wreckage. The trailer is a total loss; however this is another example where things could have been much worse given the tinder dry conditions. Great work by everyone and a big thanks to all involved!
The weather forecast continues to call for hot, dry conditions across the entire East Kootenay region so we will all need to remain vigilant in preventing fires and reporting if we see smoke or flame. A reminder that the numbers to call are *5555 from a cellphone or toll free 1-800-663-5555.
Lightning and Gusty Winds in Forecast for Tonight and into Tomorrow (posted: July 23.17 1:50 PM)
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for our region today a cold front develops over the Cariboo this afternoon and sweeps southeast across the southern interior late this afternoon and evening.
Isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Columbia and Kootenay regions this afternoon and evening. Brief showers with strong gusts to 80 km/h are possible near thunderstorms, particularly in the Kootenays.
The special air quality statement remains in effect as we could still experience local smoky conditions due to fires in other parts of Central BC.
Small lighning Caused Fire in Remote Area of Flathead / General Update (posted: July 20/17 12:55 PM)
A small lightning caused fire is burning in a remote area in the Flathead approximately 35km east of Elko. The fire is about 5 hectares in size and is being actioned by two initial attack crews and 1 helicopter.
Dry lightning is expected to continue across the region through the remainder of today and into tonight as the system moves through the region. While some areas have received small amounts of isolated rain, we have not received any widespread rainfall. Gusty winds will likely continue into tonight.
The smoky conditions are expected to return later tonight and into tomorrow as the winds shift from SW to NW -- bringing with them smoke from the Cariboo/Kamloops region. It could become quite smoky by tomorrow.
Smoky Skies Expected to Continue (posted: July 19/17 1:00 PM)
We could see some relief from the smoky skies tomorrow; however, the Smoky Skies Bulletin remains in place as smoky conditions are expected to return Friday as the winds shift again and carry in smoke from the Cariboo and Kamloops areas.
We are expecting a small system to move across the East Kootenay tomorrow with gusty winds, the possibility of dry lightning and possible isolated thundershowers. No real rain accumulations are forecasted and the system will move out by Friday. Through the weekend it is expected to be hot and dry.
There are NO FIRES OF NOTE in the SE Fire Centre. Early reporting will be our biggest asset. If you see a smoke plume of fire, please report it immediately *5555 from a cell phone or 1-800-663-5555.
Smoky Skies from BC Fires/ Small Fire in Picture Valley Well in Hand (posted: July 18/17 1:06 PM)
There was a small fire discovered yesterday east of the Picture Valley Forest Service Road (south of Fenwick Road / west of Wardner-Fort Steele Road). The fire is very small (0.3 hectares) and there are 2 initial attack crews and a water truck on it. They have it well in hand and it’s not threatening any farms, campgrounds, structures or communities. It’s very well in hand and will have it fully extinguished later today.
The smoky skies that we have across the East Kootenay are the result of a shift in winds, which have pushed the smoke from fires in other parts of BC, including the Cariboo and Kamloops into our region. The smoky conditions will be sticking around our area for at least a couple of days, possibly longer.
A great resource to see where the smoke is coming from is the Smoke Forecast website: http://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/BSC00WC04/current/
There are currently no wildfires of concern in our region (there are a few small fires in the Southeast District, but none threatening structures/communities or that are considered fires of note by the SE Fire Centre).
LET'S KEEP IT THAT WAY -- please be smart. Obey the fire bans and use common sense out there. And, if you see smoke, please report it. Our best chance of stopping a serious situation is if the Wildfire Service can get on any new starts quickly. To report a fire from a cellphone, call *5555
Nature Conservancy Canada - Closes Several East Kootenay Properties to Recreational Access Due to Fire Risk - Updated July 18/17
In response to the extreme fire situation in British Columbia, the Nature Conservancy of Canada is suspending public recreational access to all its lands in the province. This is a precautionary measure in order to minimize the chance of human-caused wildfires and to contribute to public safety.
In the East Kootenay, this impacts:
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Mount Broadwood and Ancient Cottonwood Trail in Fernie
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Kootenay River Ranch in Canal Flats
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Lot 48, Marion Creek Benchlands and Dutch Creek Hoodoos Conservation area in Fairmont
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Luxor Linkage in Edgewater
CLICK HERE to view the full release.
Please respect these closures and continue to be safe out there.
Air Quality Statement in Place for Entire East Kootenay - Updated: July 11/17 1:02 PM
Environment Canada and the BC Ministry of Environment have issued a special air quality statement issued for:
East Kootenay, B.C. (084500)
Elk Valley, B.C. (084600)
East Columbia, B.C. (085500)
Yoho Park - Kootenay Park, B.C. (085600)
Current details:
Smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility. Smoke is expected or occurring. The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Interior Health Authority, has issued a Smoky Skies Bulletin nfor Kinbasket, North Columbia, West Columbia, East Columbia, Yoho Park - Kootenay Park, East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Elk Valley, Kootenay Lake, Arrow Lakes - Slocan Lake, Boundary, the Cariboo, Chilcotin, North Thompson, South Thompson, Shuswap, Okanagan, Similkameen, Fraser Canyon and Nicola regions, because of forest fire smoke that is covering the area.
Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
2017 Fire Season Preparedness Links:
Being prepared BEFORE an emergency happens is critical. Here are some great resources to help you and your family be aware of the stages of evacuation, some of the basics related to personal preparedness and more.
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