BC Wildfire Service has classified the Baynes Lake Area fire as being held! Fire behaviour has decreased overnight and is now displaying rank 1 behaviour with pockets of rank 2. This means it’s a smouldering ground fire with areas of low vigour surface fire.
This wildfire is currently being actioned by 25 BC Wildfire Service personnel who are working alongside members of Jaffray, Elko, Fernie, and Baynes Lake Fire Departments. The wildfire has been wrapped in hoselay and water is being used for fire suppression efforts.
The Evacuation Order for 14 properties and the Evacuation Alert for 38 properties in the Baynes Lake Area have been rescinded as the crews continue to make progress.
“Thanks to the efforts of the RDEK’s South Country Fire Departments and BC Wildfire Service, the Kikomun Wildfire is now being held and BC Wildfire has made the recommendation that it is safe to rescind the Order and the Alert,” says Regional Emergency Operations Centre Information Officer, Loree Duczek. “We cannot thank the firefighters on the ground and in the air enough. The location of the fire and the conditions yesterday were extremely challenging and their efforts truly resulted in this positive outcome.”
In addition to the local fire departments and BC Wildfire crews, the City of Fernie sent three firefighters and a tender, RCMP and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure immediately responded to assist, and local Emergency Support Services volunteers mobilized. “There are so many people that supported the community in the midst of what was an incredibly evolving situation. To each and every one who played a part, thank you.”
According to the BC Wildfire Service the 8.45 hectare wildfire has been wrapped in hoselay and water is being used for fire suppression efforts. Crews and equipment will continue to work in the wildfire area. The latest wildfire updates will be available on www.bcwildfire.ca
The Evacuation ORDER included 10 properties west of Baynes Lake as follows:
• 3296 PALMER RD
• 3306 PALMER RD
• 3326 PALMER RD
• 3338 PALMER RD
• 3339 PALMER RD
• 3348 PALMER RD
• 3330 SAUNDERS RD
• 684 SHARPE RD
• 512 SPRINGER RD
• 526 SPRINGER RD
In addition, an Evacuation ALERT has been issued for 42 properties as follows:
• ALL PROPERTIES WEST OF BAYNES LAKE ON CURRIE RD AND BAYNES LAKE RD
• ALL PROPERTIES SOUTHWEST OF BAYNES LAKE ON SPRINGHILL RD
• ALL PROPERTIES SOUTH OF BAYNES LAKE ON THE WEST SIDE OF BAYNES LAKE LOOP RD
• PROPERTIES SOUTHWEST OF BAYNES LAKE ON SUNDOWN LANE, MACMILLAN RD, PALMER RD
“The tactical evacuation was performed by RDEK firefighters in response to the rapidly evolving situation and everyone was able to get out safely,” says Regional Emergency Operations Centre Information Officer Loree Duczek.
A Reception Centre was established in the Baker Salon at the Prestige Inn in Cranbrook located at 209 Van Horne Street South. Evacuees are asked to check in and register at the Reception Centre or online at ess.gov.bc.ca. It will remain open from 7pm to 11pm this evening.
A copy of the Order and Alert and associated maps are posted on www.rdek.bc.ca.
The BC Wildfire Service will continie provide fire updates on www.bcwildfire.ca. This is the best place to get the most updated information on the fire.
B.C. Wildfire Service photo
