The District of Sparwood and Regional District of East Kootenay have rescinded evacuation alerts in Sparwood.
“With the hard work from B.C. Wildfire crews and recent precipitation, we are thankful to be able to rescind the evacuation alert for all properties impacted by the Lladnar Creek wildfire,” Sparwood mayor David Wilks stated in a press release on Aug. 22.
“We are immensely grateful to all those who have assisted with keeping the community safe, both on the front lines and behind the scenes. Knowing we were supported by B.C. Wildfire and teams from across the province provided our community with peace of mind in a time it was needed most,” he added.
The fire was discovered burning west of Sparwood near Lladnar Creek on July 21. Evacuation alerts were issued for residents of Matevic Rd. on July 23 and eventually Sparwood Heights on July 24. On Aug. 3, an alert was issued for residents of Whiskey Jack Dr., Savarie Rd. Savarie Frontage Rd., Elk Valley Trailer Park, Upper and Lower Lodgepole Trailer Park and all properties west of the highway up to 6161 Upper Elk Valley Rd.
Locals living in these areas were encouraged to pack their things and prepare to leave their properties if fire conditions worsened.
Fire activity has waned in the past few days due to a spell of cold wet weather moving through the region.
READ MORE: B.C Wildfire Service places area restriction on land north of Elkford
Remnants of Hurricane Hilary blew into the region Monday from the southwestern United States, which increased cloud-cover and brought showers. With cooler conditions and an increase in humidity, little fire activity was observed Sunday through Monday.
Five millimetres of rain is forecast for Sparwood and area on Tuesday and light southerly winds are expected to bring thundershowers.
Although the alert was lifted, B.C. Wildfire Service continues to monitor the fire and crews will remain active on the work site.
Patrol operations along the fire’s eastern flank and to the south will continue. Both Lladnar Creek and Cummings Creek will be monitored, particularly in areas with steep terrain.
An area restriction order that was issued by B.C Wildfire Service remains in place. This area extends from Mt. Terrion and Nordstrom Creek in the north, to McCool Creek in the south. It expands westward towards Mt. Kuleski and eastward to Matevic Rd in Sparwood. The restriction will remain in place until 1 p.m. on Sept. 30, unless it is rescinded earlier.
Heavy equipment and aviation resources will remain focused on the fire, but structure protection units will be reallocated to fires in other areas of the province in the coming days.
@gfrans15
newsroom@thefreepress.ca
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