UPDATED: Evacuation Alert for remaining 46 properties removed
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), based on the recommendation from BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has removed the Evacuation Alert for the remaining 46 properties affected by the Talbott Creek Wildfire.
The BCWS has advised that although crews continue to action the fire, the danger to people and structures has diminished.
“This has been a stressful month for residents and we appreciate their patience and understanding through this process,”said Chris Johnson, Director of the RDCK EOC.
“The BC Wildfire Service has done an outstanding job, in tough conditions, to keep our communities safe. We thank them for all their hard work battling this wildfire over the last month.”
The Talbott Creek Wildfire was originally discovered on Monday, August 17th as a result of lighting.
Located in the Slocan Valley, approximately 3.5 km north east of Highway 6 and 30 km north of Castlegar, an Evacuation Alert was originally issued on Saturday, August 22nd for 305 properties in the communities of Lebahdo, Little Slocan, Passmore and Vallican.
On Monday, September 14th the Evacuation Alert was reduced to 176 properties and further reduced the next day to 113 properties.
On Friday, September 18th, for the third time in five days, the Evacuation Alert was reduced to 46 properties, before finally being removed altogether this morning.
For more information on the BC Wildfire Service, please visit their website. If you have any other questions or concerns go to www.rdck.ca/eocinfo or call 250-352-7701.
RDCK EOC reduces Talbott Creek Evacuation Alert to 46 properties
As crews continue to battle the Talbott Creek Wildfire, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), based on the recommendation from BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), is reducing the number of properties under Evacuation Alert due to the Talbott Creek Wildfire (N51250).
The RDCK EOC is removing the Evacuation Alert for all properties south and west of 4162 Slocan River Road, for a total of 67 properties. The Evacuation Alert remains in place for 46 properties north of 4162 Slocan River Road to Drake Street.
“With the original Evacuation Alert having been issued nearly a month ago, this has been a stressful time for residents in the area,” said Nora Hannon, RDCK Regional Fire Chief.
“We are thankful for the great work done by the BC Wildfire Service and are encouraged by the short-term forecast which is expected to bring cooler temperatures and possible rain.”
The RDCK EOC originally issued the Evacuation Alert on Saturday, August 22 for 305 homes in the communities of Lebahdo, Little Slocan, Passmore and Vallican due to the Talbott Creek Wildfire. Located in the Slocan Valley, approximately 3.5 km north east of Highway 6 and approximately 30 km north of Castlegar, the Talbott Creek Wildfire was discovered on Monday August 17.
The Talbott Creek wildfire has grown to 1,142 hectares with 90 firefighters on the ground battling the blaze.
BC Wildfire Service said the improved visibility allowed helicopters to fly Thursday and Friday bucketing the east flank in the McFayden and Draw Creek drainages.
BC Wildfire Service said there was minimal fire growth was observed overnight Thursday with the majority of growth continues to be on the north flank, with some progression in the east. Crews are seeking hot-spots on the southwest edge of the fire and from McFayden Creek moving eastward.
On September 14 the Evacuation Alert was removed for all properties west of the intersection of Indian Point Road and Little Slocan South Road, plus all properties south of the Little Slocan River.
On September 15 the Evacuation Alert was reduced by another 63 properties to 113 properties when the Alert was removed for all properties east of the Slocan River.
During the last 48 hours, heavy smoke has dissipated in the area, allowing the BCWS to once again battle the wildfire with helicopters. There has been limited fire activity and growth in the section of the fire that is closest to areas where the Evacuation Alert has been removed.
The BCWS continues to have structure protection units (SPU’s) deployed along Slocan River Road, north of Natlamp Road.
As a result, only local traffic is allowed on Slocan River Road. For more information on the wildfire, please visit the BCWS website.
At this time residents or visitors within the area are not required to evacuate; however, the RDCK advises people to remain vigilant and be prepared to leave the area at a moment’s notice.
It is recommended to prepare an emergency kit and ensure preparedness, including moving pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens, and an Evacuation Order is enforced.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions there are limited options for lodging. People that are evacuated will be asked to arrange accommodations with family or friends outside the area, if at all possible, leaving available spots for those that need it most.
