Interior Health closely monitoring Talbot Creek fire
By Nelson Daily Staff
In a media release Sunday, Interior Health said it is closely monitoring the Talbot Creek wildfire near Castlegar in the Slocan Valley.
Interior Health said, as the wildfire develops, it is ensuring any potentially impacted home health clients are prepared in the event of evacuation.
“We are also proactively reaching out to the private Passmore Lodge senior’s residence to ensure they have safe evacuation plans in place if necessary,” the Interior Health release said.
“Interior Health’s wildfire planning includes supporting anyone who may be in isolation due to COVID-19. We will ensure separate arrangements are made for anyone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 to protect the public from exposure.”
BC Wildfire crews spent Sunday battling the blaze that has grown to an estimated size of 200 hectares and is highly visible from Slocan Valley as well as surrounding communities.
Currently more than 75 BC Wildfire firefighters are on the ground along with eight pieces of heavy equipment with helicopters dumping water on the blaze.
BC Wildfire said ground crews working to establish control lines with helicopters focusing on the south and east flanks of the fire.
There is an additional fire guard starting on the slope above Vallican.
“We have activated an IH-wide emergency operations centre which is monitoring all wildfire threats to health facilities and services and we are working closely with municipalities, regional districts, and the BC WildFire Service to ensure precautions are underway to protect patients, clients, and residents,” Interior Health said.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay issued an Evacuation Alert to more than 300 residents in the Slocan Valley.
The RDCK said at this time residents and visitors are not required to evacuate. However, the public should remain vigilant and be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice.
