Talbott Creek fire in the Slocan Valley now estimated at 446 hectares
By Nelson Daily Staff
The BC Wildfire Service continues to apply major resources to combat the Talbott Creek fire in the Slocan Valley, approximately 3.5 kilometers northwest of Highway 6.
The wildfire, which has grown to an estimated size of 446 hectares, continues to produce smoke and is highly visible from the Slocan Valley as well as surrounding communities.
The BC Wildfire Service said the Talbott Creek fire is slowing backing down to control lines and continues to be classified as a low vigour surface fire.
A surface fire burns in the surface fuel layer on the forest floor, but below the tree crowns.
The BC Wildfire Service said intermittent candling of single trees has also been observed; however, the fire is not moving through the crown fuel layer.
“A new perimeter track was obtained on August 30 and the updated size now includes the successful burn off operation on the western flank of the fire completed on August 28 along with anticipated fire growth primarily seen on the south and eastern flanks of the fire due to the winds experienced in the area on August 29,” the BC Wildfire Service said.
“Increased relative humidity along with cooler temperatures experienced (recently) have supported response efforts.”
Currently there are 125 firefighters on the ground battling the fire, which was started by lightning on Monday, August 17.
The ground crew is assisted by nine helicopters and nine pieces of heavy equipment.
“Crews are continuing helipad construction to support access and safety egress, as well as, establishing fuel free hand guards that are being tied in with the natural rocky features along the southeastern flank,” the BC Wildfire Service said, adding the fire is not currently threatening any structures.
“These control lines continue to be reinforced with hose-lay and small hand ignitions to remove fuel ahead of the fire's perimeter.
“Crews are also mopping up (extinguishing the fire) along control lines utilizing established hose lay and hand tools as required. Additional crews have been brought into support mopping up. Danger tree assessment and felling continues.”
The BC Wildfire Service said aviation resources continue to be utilized as required and nine helicopters are currently assigned to this incident. Heavy equipment operations continue to wind down as they are nearing completion on the northern flank of the fire as well the contingency guard on the southern flank above the community of Vallican.
An area restriction (see map) is in effect beginning at the intersection of the powerlines and Little Slocan Main Forest Service Road (FSR), heading northwest then north following, and including, the Little Slocan Main FSR, heading east at the south end of Upper Little Slocan Lake to the height of land on Perry Ridge. Following the height of land south over Perry Peak, heading southwest in a straight line intersecting Little Slocan South Rd and continuing back to the point of commencement.
Little Slocan lake is not included in the area restriction, it can still be accessed from the north.
An area restriction is not currently in effect for the Slocan River; however, we want to caution those recreating that helicopters are filling buckets in the area and to be cautious and mindful around these operations.
Woodbury Creek. Doctor Creek fires continue to burn
North of Nelson, between Ainsworth and Kaslo, the Woodbury Creek fire continues to burn out of control.
The fire, also starting by lightning on August 15, is not an estimated size of 634 hectares.
The fire is near Kokanee Glacier and some smoke can be seen filtering over the mountains from Nelson.
In the East Kootenay, the Doctor Creek fire, located 25 kilomtres southwest of Canal Flats, has now grown to an estimated size of 5,852 hectares.
There are 113 firefighters battling the blaze along with six helicopters and 15 pieces of heavy equipment.
The Doctor Creek fire in the East Kootenay near Canal Flats is now estimated at 5,852 hectares. — BC Wildfire Service photo
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