SITUATION UPDATE AS OF 6:00PM, AUGUST 19
Please note that the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Emergency Operations Centre Director in cooperation with the BC Wildfire Service assessed the Solomon Mountain Wildfire situation at 6:00 pm this evening and determined that evacuation alerts will remain in place overnight. The situation will be reassessed the morning of August 20 and an update provided then.
News Release
Trail, BC
August 19, 2020, 4:45p.m. PT
Evacuation alerts remain for 44 properties near Beaverdell
- BC Wildfire and the RDKB will reassess all evacuation alerts on the evening of August 19
About 110 people or 44 properties remain on evacuation alert for now in the Boulder Road area four kilometres north of Beaverdell as BC Wildfire crews, heavy equipment and aircraft continue to work to contain the Solomon Mountain Wildfire - N61276 – which has burned 17.5 hectares.
These evacuation alerts mean residents must be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, and could be followed by immediate orders to evacuate should conditions worsen, or could be rescinded if conditions improve.
The RDKB asks all area residents to register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html.
BC Wildfire ground crews including two, 20-person unit crews and heavy equipment are building guard around the Solomon Mountain Wildfire and unit crews and heavy equipment are also taking action on a second, larger fire near Carmi Creek – N61268. The Carmi Creek Wildfire has burned about 60 hectares over steep, rocky terrain. BC Wildlfire Service is providing air support to both fires. Neither fire is currently threatening any homes or other structures.
Environment Canada has forecasted slightly cooler daytime temperatures in the high twenties in the next 24 hours with a possibility for high winds and thunderstorms at the end of the week.
The Province of BC has issued an Air Quality Advisory - Smoky Skies Bulletin that applies to the Boundary. The bulletin warns that during a wildfire, smoke conditions can change quickly over short distances and can vary considerably hour by-hour. Wildfire smoke is a natural part of our environment but it is important to be mindful that exposure to smoke may affect your health.
For more information:
- 24 hour Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre: 1.800.663.3456
- RDKB Emergency Operations Centre: 1.888.747.9119 (between 8am and 4pmweekdays)
- Social media: Twitter @RDKB_Emergency or Facebook @rdkbdotcom
- Local media
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
News Release
Trail, BC
August 18, 2020, 6:30p.m. PT
RDKB issues evacuation alerts to 44 properties near Beaverdell
- Solomon Mountain wildfire nearby is 4.5 hectares
Click here for the full News Release and Map
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary in cooperation with the BC Wildfire Service has asked residents at 44 addresses four kilometres north of Beaverdell in the Boulder Road area to be ready to leave their homes at a moment’s notice in response to the Solomon Mountain Wildfire - N61276. A full list of addresses now on evacuation alert is at the end of this news release along with a map of the evacuation alert area.
The Beaverdell Fire Department and BC Wildfire ground crews are on site fighting the fire along with heavy equipment. BC Wildfire air tankers and helicopters are also working to contain the blaze.
“We have issued these alerts out of an abundance of caution and to allow residents time to prepare, as winds are expected to gust through the evening,” said Mark Stephens, EOC Director.
These evacuation alerts may be followed by immediate orders to evacuate should conditions worsen.All area residents are asked to register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System at https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html.
To prepare for the possibility of an evacuation order:
- Locate all family members or co-workers and designating a meeting place outside thearea should an evacuation order be issued while separated.
- Arrange accommodations with family or friends outside the area.
- Gather essential items: The 5 P’s (People, Pets, Prescriptions, Papers and Photos).
- Prepare to move any disabled persons and /or children.
- Move pets and livestock to a safe area outside the area.
- Monitor news sources for additional information.
If an order is issued, residents must leave their homes immediately and travel north or south along Highway 33.
For more information:
- 24 hour Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre: 1.800.663.3456
- RDKB Emergency Operations Centre: 1.888.747.9119 (between 8am and 4pmweekdays)
- Social media: Twitter @RDKB_Emergency or Facebook @rdkbdotcom
- Local media
The RDKB will continue to update the public as new information is available.
Click here for the full News Release and Map