Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
The BC Wildfire Service is reporting that the Madias Creek fire is now classified as being “held” at 2.11 hectares.
This means the fire is expected to remain within the current perimeter, control line or boundary (based on fuel, weather conditions, and resource availability).
The recent evacuation order has been downgraded to an alert, which means residents must still be prepared to leave their homes on a moment’s notice if the fire flares up again.
The evacuation order included 27 civic addresses in the Crooked Tree/Madias Creek area that were tactically evacuated on July 22.
The alert areas that were put in place by the RDEK and the ?akisq?nuk First Nation Council remain in effect. The full list of affected areas can be viewed at www.rdek.bc.ca.
Meanwhile, the Island Pond wildfire south of Canal Flats is still classified as out of control at 37 hectares.
An evacuation order and alert issued northwest of Premier Lake remain in effect.
There has been no significant growth on this fire. Ground crews have completed a hose lay around the perimeter and are working to complete a ‘wet line.’ Crews continue to patrol for spot fires.
A machine guard around the perimeter is complete, as is structure protection.
Note: This fire is burning adjacent to Highway 93/95, and people in vehicles are slowing down or stopping on the road, which is causing an unsafe situation for both public and responders. The public is urged to keep moving through the area and avoid impacting traffic.
