Firefighters have successfully controlled a wildfire on the East Shore after it sparked late Tuesday evening, 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 1.55-hectare fire, slightly bigger than a football field, was classified as out of control until the afternoon of June 11. It was downgraded and held, with firefighters keeping the wildfire within its boundaries by establishing a wet line along both sides.
"The crew onsite are happy with how things are progressing," said Meghan Graceffo, information officer, BCWS.
As of June 13, the highway is currently open in both directions traffic. Drivers are advised to slow down and watch for flaggers between Birch Road and Larch Road for 7.7 km (15 to 22 km south of Kootenay Bay Ferry Landing). Refer to www.drivebc.ca for further updates.
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.
