Crews continue to battle Talbot Creek Wildfire
By Nelson Daily Staff
The Talbot Creek Wildfire, which has grown to an estimated size of 323 hectares, experienced minimal growth overnight Wednesday the BC Wildfire Service website said.
“The minimal growth occurred within control lines,” BC Wildfire Service said.
“This fire continues to produce smoke and is highly visible from the Slocan Valley as well as surrounding communities.”
More than 95 firefighters are battling the blaze with the assistance of seven helicopters and 17 pieces of heavy equipment.
“Crews are seeing continued success with developing containment lines on the north west flank of the fire by utilizing heavy equipment in stitching together pre-existing roads,” BC Wildfire Service said.
“Ground crews have been working hard at creating a fuel free handline that is being tied in with the natural rocky features on the site along the southern flank.”
“On the lower third of the south side of the mountain, equipment is also being used to re-open existing roads to create fuel free contingency lines above the community of Vallican,” BC Wildfire Service added. BC Wildfire Service said helicopters will continue bucketing onto areas of more challenging terrain along the east flank of the fire.
“Due to the steep and rocky terrain on the east flank, the BC Wildfire Service is employing a precision technique of applying retardant via helicopter buckets using pin-point accuracy, which allows personnel to focus suppression efforts on individual spots that are inaccessible to fire crews,” BC Wildfire Service said.
“The aerial campaign will employ this technique over the coming days.”
An area restriction continues to be in effect beginning at the intersection of the powerlines and Little Slocan Main FSR, heading northwest then north following, and including, the Little Slocan Main FSR, heading east at the south end of Upper Little Slocan Lake to the height of land on Perry Ridge.
Following the height of land south over Perry Peak, heading southwest in a straight line intersecting Little Slocan South Rd and continuing back to the point of commencement. Little Slocan lake is not included in the area restriction, it can still be accessed from the north
An area restriction is not currently in effect for the Slocan River; however, we want to caution those recreating that helicopters are filling buckets in the area and to be cautious and mindful around these operations.
A map of the area in effect beginning at the intersection of the powerlines and Little Slocan Main FSR, heading northwest then north following, and including, the Little Slocan Main FSR, heading east at the south end of Upper Little Slocan Lake to the height of land on Perry Ridge.
