TNRD downgrades evacuation response near Ainslie Creek wildfire

“This Evacuation Alert is in place to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should it be found necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to an Evacuation Order; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions,” said the TNRD.

The alert now encompasses about 283 addressed properties in Electoral Area “I”, Electoral Area “M”, and Electoral Area “N” (Beautiful Nicola Valley – South), which includes the downgraded evacuation order.

The Nooaitch Indian Band has also downgraded its evacuation order to an alert for IR #10.

Meantime, about 58 properties remain under and evacuation order in Electoral Area “N” (Beautiful Nicola Valley-South). The order was initially put in place on August 12.

The TNRD has given the “all clear” to 620 addressed properties in Electoral Area “M” (Beautiful Nicola Valley) and “N” (Beautiful Nicola Valley-South), directly west and northwest of Merritt.

This comes as the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) took advantage of cooler temperatures and high humidity.

“Fire behaviour is expected to remain low again today (Aug. 24) due to milder conditions. Fire behaviour may vary significantly across the complex due to differences in terrain, fuels, wind exposure and smoke,” said the BCWS.

In the northeastern part of the 67,722.48-hectare fire, near Prospect Creek Forest Service Road, the BCWS has begun demobilizing structure protection equipment as wildfire activity has reduced.

“The guard at the north end of this area continues to hold well following a small, planned ignition last week. Crews will continue to mop up around the ignition area, helping to strengthen the long-term security of the perimeter,” said the BCWS.

“Crews and equipment continue to connect control lines where terrain and conditions allow. Today (Aug 24), crews will continue connecting the southern portion of this area to the 32 Road. The guard continues to hold well.”

In the southeast part of the fire, BCWS crews are directly attacking on the fire in the Maka-Murray and Spius Creek area.

“Heavy equipment will continue to work in this area to support crews to strengthen lines,” said the BCWS.

“There has been minimal movement in this area over the last several days, with the only small growth to the north on the top of the Spius finger.”

Along the southern flank of the wildfire, firefighters are working to mop up around last week’s ignition area and strengthening control lines.

“Heavy equipment will be working in this area strengthen lines from bottom to top. Since the planned ignition on August 19, the Guilt Creek guard has continued to hold well, and crews are continuing to mop up around the ignition area to strengthen the control line,” said the BCWS.

“Crews continue to work along the Anderson River Forest Service Road, connecting control lines where terrain and conditions allow.”

by Elora McCormack

TNRD downgrades evacuation response near Ainslie Creek wildfire

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