Local firefighters have deployed to other areas in the region under wildfire threat to support the BC Wildfire Service and assist with structure protection efforts.
Members of the RDEK’s Regional Fire & Rescue Services are supporting the BC Wildfire Service’s structural protection efforts in affected communities to the north at the Parson wildfire and into areas in the West Kootenay.
“One of our tenders and two members of the Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service are currently in Parson supporting sprinkler protection efforts on the Dogtooth FSR fire,” says Christina Carbrey, RDEK Protective Services Manager, in a news release. “In addition, a team of five from the Elk Valley & South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Service has deployed to the Argenta area in the Regional District of Central Kootenay.”
The teams will be focused on setting up and maintaining sprinkler protection systems, according to the RDEK.
“We know how important the work that our teams are doing is, and the difference it makes for those people living closest to the fires knowing every effort is being made to help protect their homes from wildfire. We are so grateful to our members who, without hesitation, answered the call,” said Carbrey.
Additionally, Jeff Brown with Cranbrook Fire and Emergency Services also recently deployed to Argenta following a request by the BC Wildfire Service. Between July 24-30, Brown served as a Task Force Leader, which acts as a supervisor for structural defense crews (fire engines, tenders and bush trucks) that work together as a team.
While the cooler weather has resulted in decreased activity on the active fires within the RDEK, fire behaviour is expected to increase this week with the return to hot and dry conditions.
Currently, there are two Evacuation Orders in effect in relation to the Ravens Head and Mt. Morro wildfires in the RDEK.
The latest updates on the fire can be found on www.bcwildfire.ca.
