Investigators Now Say All Three West Kelowna fires Human Caused
By 250 News
Monday, July 20, 2009 11:31 AM
Kelowna B.C.- There is no relief in site for the West Kelowna region as three fires continue to rage. Investigators now say all three fires are believed to have been human cuased "We believe they were accidental, we hope they weren't deliberately set" says Rob Moore of the B.C. Forest Services. "We have tried to cordon off the areas of ignition, but have not been able to specifically identify the point of ignition."
So far, 11,250 people have been forced from their homes in Glenrosa and Rose Valley, more than 6,000 others are on evacuation alert.
Terrace Mountain fire has grown to 830 hectares. The blaze, is about 20 km west of Fintry and is not threatening any structures at this point. There are 70 firefighters, 4 helicopters and five pieces of heavy equipment working on the fire.
Glenrosa fire remains 40% contained. There appears to have been no significant growth overnight and the winds are calm the fire is about 400 hectares in size. Crews are working aggressively to control the fire while the weather continues to cooperate. “The north flanks of that fire are looking well” says Rob Moore of B.C. Forest Services. “We do not have containment on the south flanks yet, and if the wind picks up, Seclusion Bay may be of concern” Sprinklers are being set up in that area today.
Working in unified command with the West Kelowna fire department, the BC Forest Service’s resources on site include 125 fire fighters, a type 1 incident management team, 10 helicopters, heavy equipment, water tenders and air tankers. Fire investigators are returning to the site today. Structural Protection Units which will help protecting structures will be set up by the end of the day.
Three unit crews (20 people each) are either en route to the fire or on-site at the moment.
Three unit crews (20 people each) are either en route to the fire or on-site at the moment.
Rose Valley Reservoir: The BC Forest Service is working in unified command with the West Kelowna fire department.
One Incident Management Team is managing both Glenrosa and the Rose Valley Dam fires and the BC Forest Service's resources are shared between both fires.
One Incident Management Team is managing both Glenrosa and the Rose Valley Dam fires and the BC Forest Service's resources are shared between both fires.
Available resources include 125 firefighters, a type 1 incident management team, ten helicopters, several piece of heavy equipment, water tenders and air tankers. Structural Protection Units will be set up by the end of the day to help protecting structures. The fire is deemed to be 150 hectares. The terrain is so challenging, ground crews have not been able to safely access the site “That is a very precarious area, with lots of exposure to the winds” says Rob Moore of the B.C. Forest Services.
Three unit crews (20 people each) are either en route to the fire or on-site at the moment.
Air tankers have laid a line of retardant around 90% of the fire perimeter. Air tankers are still working and are supported by 10 helicopters water-bucketing.
Steep terrain in the area is presenting a challenge to fire crews, limiting the use of heavy equipment.
There are still evacuation orders and alerts in effect.
All three fires were assessed with infrared technology last night when a fixed wing aircraft flew over the three fires.
Road closures remain in effect:
Highway 97 : Closed from Junction with HWY 97C to 4 km north at Gellatly Road because of Forest Fire. Detour via numbered routes to Kelowna area as follows: Merritt to Kelowna area use HWY 5 to Trans Canada HWY 1 to HWY 97 via the Monte Creek turn off at Kamloops. From Kelowna to Summerland and points south use HWY 33 to HWY 3 and follow the signs to Osoyoos to HWY 97. From Summerland and points south use HWY 97 south to HWY 3 to HWY 33 at Rock Creek.
ALTERNATE ROUTE BETWEEN PENTICTON AND HWY 33 VIA MCCULLOCH ROAD/201 FSR NOW AVAILABLE FOR TRAFFIC UNDER GVW 27,000 KG. This road is restricted to light traffic only. Maintenance staff and Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement Officers are performing 24 hour patrols along this FSR road.
“Highway 97 will reopen once authorities have determined it is safe to drive on that highway” says Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Kash Heed. “If there is more that the Province can do to help local authorities, I will make that a priority.”
Heed says he has toured the fire area and “Can’t believe the devastation” He also noted the emotional stress the residents must be feeling “We are going to do whatever we can.” Heed says the primary goal is to deal with the situation and the Federal Government will be approached once they enter the recovery stage.
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Posted by: acrider54 on July 20 2009 12:06 PM
metalman.