Smoke in Sicamous
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Elizabeth Fallaise
July 29, 2021 - 12:00 PM
A wildfire burning near Sicamous has crossed the eastern side of Sicamous Creek, and is now burning at the top end of a gorge.
“As it sits right now, they’ve got fire guards between the fire end and the District of Sicamous... and there’s some more support from B.C. Wildfire Services and at this particular stage the town is still on alert,” said Sicamous Mayor Terry Rysz.
The fire is moving very slowly and is expanding a little bit, but up on that hillside so crews are trying to ensure the town is protected, he said. The Two Mile Road fire is currently listed at 1,000 hectares in size.
“It’s not a fire we’re going to be putting out, it’s still going to be a challenge. It’s not a short sprint, it’s going to be a marathon…. Right now we’re still feeling optimistic that they're holding this fire and holding the fire guard in place,” he said.
Most of the town’s evacuation order has been rescinded, but the southern part of the town remains on evacuation alert. Skies are smoky this morning, he said.
According to the B.C. Wildfire Service’s latest update, 33 wildfire firefighters, three helicopters and 10 pieces of heavy equipment are on site.
The wildfire service is assisting the Sicamous Fire Department and the Swansea Fire Department on this fire.
Fire information officer Shaylee Stearns said there has been some growth on the fire but didn’t have an update for where the fire is burning and how much the fire has grown.
Highway 97A remains closed at this time. Check DriveB.C. for any updates.
For updates on evacuation orders and alerts, visit the regional district’s website.
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