Late Saturday afternoon I posted a picture taken from my home of smoke from a wildfire on the ridge between Duhamel and Sitkum Creeks. The fire has since grown and has been descending the ridge toward the lakeshore. Homes at the bottom of the ridge have been evacuated. If the wildfire does reach the Lake, it will probably do so about 4 kilometres from my home.
A picture taken from my home at 10:35 pm, Saturday. It shows the fire descending the ridge.
Two hours later at 12:30 a.m., Sunday, the fire continues down the ridge toward the Lake.
That looks scary. I remember witnessing a similar scene of a fire descending on the town of Chase in the 2003 fires.
So it begins: a summer to remember – or to forget rather.
My thoughts go out to you, Alistair, and especially to your neighbours of four km away.
This is getting way too close to you.
Hang in there Alistair! I remember what this feels like, all too well.
Here is the URL for updates on the Sitkum Creek fire: http://bcwildfire.ca/hprScripts/WildfireNews/OneFire.asp?ID=544
BC Wildfire Service says, “There is a full response to this wildfire including helicopters and multiple airtanker groups”.
Thinking of you and yours.
I went out today to view the fire from the old CIC campus above Nelson. Not nearly as spectacular as the night time images I have been seeing. I’m curious what is happening on the north-west flank of the fire, where the is a large area of dead lodgepole pine, on very steep and rugged slopes. Currently this are is obscured by the thick smoke. Keep your lawn watered Alistair, everything will be fine!
Doug, I cannot see that spot from my place. But, my sprinkler system is now on for the third time today.
It must be so sad for the poor wildlife. Stay safe.
In 2007 there was a very large fire on this same hill. I think it was further back but larger, 1000 hectares or so. You can see where it reached the ridge and started down into the Duhamel Creek valley, but it is very steep and it didn’t go far. There has been quite a bit of logging up there as well.
During the night there was a north breeze which pushed it down towards the valley. When I went to bed last night there were few locations where flames were visible; by 1AM it had come over the brow of the hill and was starting down. Luckily today the wind was from the east, tending to push it back into the previously burned areas.
We got a knock on the door at around 11:00 pm (didn’t look at the clock) with a notice to prepare for evacuation. We are on Greenwood Road, and most everyone from Six Mile Lakes road to Sitkum Creek got the notice, with some exceptions below the highway. All my neighbors were ready to go already, with belongings in their vehicles. People further up the hill moved their horses and equipment to a safe location; I suspect the Heddle road folks were even more active.
It looks much better today, with the very active ground and air work on the fire. They seemed to be focused on the Bodard Road creek draw, as that was where the fire was lowest in the valley. It looked like they were mopping up at the end of the afternoon, however higher up it was still active.
When I was out at 1am there were needles and pieces of bark falling. They were cold, not spreading the fire, but a reminder of how dangerous these things can be.
Thoughts, wishes are with you and all creatures in the area. Thankful Derek’s report shows relief.