Despite the smoke, the Southeast Fire Centre says the recent weather conditions have helped to reduce fire activity near Argenta, giving fire fighting efforts the upper hand.
“Precipitation and increased relative humidity over the last couple of days has certainly helped reduce fire behavior with this reduction in activity ground crews we were able to focus on direct attack strategies in areas that were previously unsafe for that type of attack that includes sections of a Hamill Creek, the Carter Creek Forest Service Road.” said Alexander Robinson, Information officer Southeast Fire Centre.
“On the adjacent side of Kootenay Lake, the Lower Meadow Mountain fire was changed to being held, which means that based on fuel and weather conditions and resource availability, that fire is projected to remain within its current perimeter.”
While crews face the challenging mountain terrain and heavy smoke, they continue to make ground in with some residents in Argenta given the greenlight to return home.
“Equipment guards have been completed along the Argenta-Johnson’s Landing Road and from Carter Creek to the Argenta Creek Connector. Crews are continuing to patrol control lines along the face to ensure containment is maintained.” said Robinson.
“We also have a mop up continuing along the north side of the Hamill drainage and a couple of blocks off the Duncan Forest Service Road. Heavy equipment remains engaged in improving sections of the machine guard above the Duncan Forest Service Road in the Hamill area.”
“And we have helicopters supporting this incident as objectives require and as well as visibility permits.”
BC Wildfire Services are keeping a close eye on the emerging weather conditions and thunderstorm threats of lightning igniting new fires and encourage the community to remain vigilant on reporting fresh sparks.
“I’m thankful for the public reporting fires over the last little while, staying on top of any new starts.” said Robinson.
“Using the BC wildfire service app, you can report a wildfire directly from your phone and even include a picture.”
Downgrades
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) continue to update their evacuations alerts and orders, with many downgrades coming through.
Tuesday, August 6, saw Portion of Evacuation Order downgraded to an Evacuation Alert for the Argenta Creek wildfire, while RDKB rescinds evacuation alert for Lower Campbell Creek Wildfire.
Slocan Lake Fire Complex
As on Monday in the Slocan Valley, the Komonko Creek fire south of Silverton is currently at 3,179 hectares with the fire crossing the Enterprise Creek drainage and grown south, where it is expected to keep moving.
Directly across Slocan Lake, the Nemo Creek fire is at 5,072 hectares as of today, Tuesday August 6.
BC Wildfire Services says windy conditions are allowing the fire to grow and crews are currently focused on structure protection.
The Ponderosa fire has burnt to 959 hectares with the Mulvey Creek fire at 1,167.2 hectares.
The RDCK says there are currently 88 wildfires in the Southeast Fire Centre, of which 61 are listed as out of control.
As always, the BC Wildfire Service is urging everyone to be prepared.
“Practice preparedness.” said Robinson.
“That includes knowing how to respond to varying evacuations should they be issued by local government. I think a grab and go bag is always a good idea and then of course practicing fire smarting. So that can mean cutting your lawn, cleaning gutters, removing any flammable wood away from your home.”
Where to find information
The BC Wildfire Service is the primary source of information for all wildfire activity.
Regional District Central Kootenay (RDCK) is the primary source of information for evacuation orders and evacuation alerts.
Drive BC for all information on roads and road closures.
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