Firefighters are working to contain a wildfire on the East Shore after it sparked late last night, BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) reports.
On the evening of June 10, the fire was reported to be visible from the Gray Creek area, approximately one kilometre from Lakeview Store and Campground on Highway 3A. BCWS believes the wildfire was likely human-caused.
The Riondel Fire Department was in charge of the initial response and containment, while BCWS mobilized a team and arrived to work overnight.
The 1.1-hectare fire, slightly bigger than a football field, was classified as out of control until Wednesday (June 11) afternoon. It has been downgraded and is being held, with crews keeping the fire within its current boundaries.
"The crew onsite are happy with how things are progressing," said Meghan Graceffo, information officer, BCWS.
Firefighters have been working to establish a wet line along both sides of the wildfire to help contain its spread. A danger tree assessment has been completed, and hazardous trees are now in the process of being safely removed.
As of June 12, the highway is currently open in both directions to single-lane, alternating traffic between Birch Road and Larch Road for 7.7 km (15 to 22 km south of Kootenay Bay Ferry Landing). Use caution, as flaggers are in position to slow drivers down. Refer to www.drivebc.ca for the next update, expected at 6 p.m.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay advised there are no active evacuation alerts or orders at this time. However, residents are urged to sign up to receive emergency notifications online at rdck.ca/emergencynotification
Additional updates on fires in the Creston Valley area can be found on the BCWS map at wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map.
