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Firefighters gaining control of Baynes Lake fire

A burnout was planned to reduce fuels and create natural fire break
37229kimberleydailyBaynesLake
Volunteer Baynes Lake firefighters along with Southeast Fire Centre crews tackle the fire.

The Baynes Lake wildfire has been roughly 50 per cent contained, but there are still evacuation alerts in place for the surrounding area and the Kragmont community.

The fire saw minimal growth over Sunday night, but is estimated to be roughly 140 hectares in size. Crews are planning to conduct a burn out, where they will burn towards the active fire to reduce the fuels and create a natural fire break.

The burn out will generate some smoke but it is a normal practice in combatting wildfires.

There are 35 firefighters on scene, with six pieces of heavy equipment, two helicopters and air tankers as needed.

The fire is burning south of Cutts Road towards the Elk River.

In another area of RDEK jurisdiction, a fire north of Spillimacheen has been re-estimated at 54 hectares. There was a flare up overnight on the Harrogate side of the fire, but crews have been working on machine guard lines and containment.

There are 30 firefighters, heavy equipment and aerial support on scene, along with help from the Windermere Fire Department Structural Protection Unit, which protected two homes close to the blaze.

One home remains under an evacuation order, while an evacuation alert is in place for the area south of the RDEK Boundary, east of the Columbia River, south to Westside Road in Spillimacheen.

As reported by the RDEK on Sunday, there was also a small fire in the grass and yard clipping pile at the Central Subregion Landfill. Staff, contractors and a Wildfire Service crew actioned it immediately and although it generated a lot of smoke, the fire was isolated to the grass pile, quickly contained and is now out. Staff also came by for mop up and hot spot checks on Monday.

 



Trevor Crawley

About the Author: Trevor Crawley

Trevor Crawley has been a reporter with the Cranbrook Townsman and Black Press in various roles since 2011.
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