I Want To

Apply for

A Building Permit A Burning Permit A Business Licence Community Funding & Support A Development Permit A Dog Licence A Municipal Job

View

Budget & Taxes Bylaws Council Information Garbage Collection Calendar Official Community Plan Online Property Tax Account Recreation Schedules & Programs Reports, Strategies & Plans

Contact

Council or Staff Emergency Services Hospitals & Clinics Report a Problem or Request Service Social & Community Services Submit an Event

Pay for

Parking Tickets Property Taxes Municipal Services Municipal Tickets & Fines Utilities

BC Wildfire Responding To Fire In Cummings Creek

There is an active wildfire in the Cummings Creek (Wilson Creek) area. BC Wildfire is responding and Sparwood Fire Services is monitoring. Out of an abundance of caution, residents in the vicinity are reminded to always be prepared by having a plan and staying informed. The District will continue to post updates below as new information is available.

August 3, 2022 | August 5, 2022 | August 6, 2022 | August 7, 2022 | August 9, 2022 | August 10, 2022 | August, 11, 2022 | August 12, 2022 | August 13, 2022 | August 14, 2022 | August 15, 2022 | August 17, 2022 | August 22, 2022

Resources

District of Sparwood Emergency Information Line for wildfire updates (not staffed) – 250.425.6834

Regional District of East Kootenay – www.rdek.bc.ca

Wildfire BC – www.wildfirebc.ca

RDEK Evacuation Notification System – https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/protectiveservices/emergencyinfo/evacuation_notification_system/

Fire Smart BC – firesmartbc.ca

August 3, 2022 – UPDATE 7:23 pm

BC Wildfire has assessed the fire burning in the Wilson Creek (Cummings Creek) area and will continue to monitor and respond as they determine necessary. This fire is outside of District jurisdiction, however Sparwood Fire Services will keep an eye on it as conditions change. Currently, no alerts are required. Should an alert be needed impacted properties will be notified and information will be posted on the District of Sparwood website and Facebook page. For more information on this and other wildfires visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status.

August 5, 2022 – UPDATE 5:41 am

UPDATE from BC Wildfire Service: A birddog reconnaissance flight of the Cummings Creek wildfire (N11051) happened this afternoon. It confirmed that the fire is continuing to display characteristics of a low vigour surface fire with occasional candling within the fire’s perimeter.

The fire size is now 10 hectares due to more accurate mapping. This fire continues to burn in steep, inoperable terrain at this time.

Further assessment of this fire is ongoing; and although it is highly visible from the community of Sparwood and surrounding areas, the fire is not currently posing a threat to structures.

For more information visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

August 6, 2022 – UPDATE 8:05 am

The Cummings Creek Wildfire, (Wilson Creek) fire N1105, continues to burn in steep, inoperable terrain. Assessment of this fire is ongoing; and although it is highly visible from the community of Sparwood and surrounding areas, the fire is not currently posing a threat to structures. To keep up-to-date on this, and other fires in the area follow https://www.facebook.com/eastkootenay and https://www.facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo . The District will continue to provide updates as they are received.

August 6, 2022 – UPDATE 8:50 pm

The Cummings Creek Wildfire (Wison Creek) fire N11051, located approximately five kilometres from the District, is continuing to burn in steep and inoperable terrain. The fire has seen some growth and is now estimated at 13 hectares in size. Smoke continues to be highly visible from the town of Sparwood and neighbouring communities and will remain visible as temperatures begin to rise in the coming week. The fire is not currently posing a threat to structures at this time.

The Incident Management Team assigned to the Connell Ridge wildfire (N10989) and Weasel Creek wildfire (N11062) is observing the fire regularly to determine the best response strategy. They are working closely with Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) and local fire departments to develop proactive strategies.

The Cummings Creek fire is now a Wildfire of Note. For more information, please refer to the Wildfire of Note page: http://ow.ly/t3gM30spwQV. For up to date information, please visit www.bcwildfire.ca and www.rdek.bc.ca

August 7, 2022 – UPDATE 1:30 pm

UPDATE: Residents of Sparwood might see an influx of fire apparatus, structure protection unit trailers and personnel today. Most of these individuals will be structure protection personnel that will be triaging and assessing properties in the Sparwood area. This work is being done in a proactive manner to establish adequate positioning if required. Currently, the community of Sparwood is not imminently threatened; however, we want to give structure protection personnel ample time to deploy structure protection apparatus in the event of the fire progressing closer to the community of Sparwood.

When a wildfire threatens a structure, the BC Wildfire Service may access specialized resources to help protect those structures. These additional resources come from local fire departments and may include structure protection units (SPUs), engines, tenders, crews or other resources. Structure protection units are generally used in high-risk areas. The availability of these units is coordinated by the BC Wildfire Service and its structure protection coordination officer.

Defending structures from a wildfire will not be possible in every situation. Several factors, including risks to firefighters, fire behaviour and the availability of resources, dictate the strategies that will be used. BC Wildfire Service firefighters will take appropriate, safe and reasonable tactical actions for which they are properly trained and equipped.

For more information on structure protection, visit: http://ow.ly/70jS30spyGh

For further details about the Cummings Creek (N11051) wildfire, please refer to its Wildfire of Note page: http://ow.ly/531430spyGw

August 7, 2022 – UPDATE 2:00 pm

UPDATE from BC Wildfire Services: Cummings Creek Fire (N11051) – 5km NW of Sparwood

• A public information meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 8:00 pm at the Sparwood Leisure Centre Community Hall (367 Pine Ave). Representatives from the BC Wildfire Service will provide an update on the fire, and time permitting, will answer questions until 8:45 pm.

• Estimated size: 44.3ha

• View Fire of Note page here http://bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.ca/…/Wildfi…/OneFire.asp…

• Residents of Sparwood might see an influx of fire apparatus, structure protection unit trailers and personnel today. Most of these individuals will be structure protection personnel that will be triaging and assessing properties in the Sparwood area. This work is being done in a proactive manner to establish adequate positioning if required. Currently the community of Sparwood is not imminently threatened, however it is important to give the structure protection personnel ample amount of time to deploy structure protection apparatus in the event of the fire progressing closer to the community of Sparwood.

• Aggressive fire behaviour was witnessed overnight on the eastern flank of the fire.

• The fire is continuing to burn in extremely steep, inoperable terrain where it is unsafe for crews or equipment to work on suppression operations or build containment lines.

• The access to the fire is limited, partly because of steep terrain and partly due to the smoky conditions that limit air access.

• The Incident Management Team assigned to the Connell Ridge (N10989) wildfire and the Weasel Creek wildfire (N11062) has taken over control of the Cummings Creek wildfire and resources will be shared between the three incidents as required.

• Due to the relative inaccessibility of water sources suitable for helicopter bucketing and the inability for crews to support on the ground suppression currently, it would not be effective at this time to attempt bucketing suppression efforts.

• BC Wildfire Service operations staff are observing the fire daily for ongoing data gathering and will be working closely with the local fire departments and the Regional District to assess response efforts for the best chance of success.

• The BC Wildfire Structure Protection Specialist has been working closely today with the Sparwood Fire Chief.

For further details about the Cummings Creek (N11051) wildfire, please refer to its Wildfire of Note page.

August 9, 2022 – UPDATE 2:00 pm

  • Last night, August 8, 2022, aggressive fire behaviour was again witnessed overnight on the eastern flank of the fire.
  • The fire is continuing to burn in extremely steep, inoperable terrain which poses safety risks to crews.
  • The access to the fire is limited, partly because of steep terrain and partly due to the smoky conditions that limit air access.
  • Resources on the fire today: 20 firefighters – a 20-person Unit Crew will be working on building access routes and contingency lines where safe to do so.
  • Today, if smoke conditions allow, there is the potential for helicopter bucketing to occur on the northern flank of the fire, along Cummings Creek to provide some cooling effects to the fire behaviour.
  • Ongoing assessment is occurring on the fire.
  • Residents of Sparwood may be seeing influx of fire apparatus, structure protection unit trailers and personnel. Most of these individuals will be structure protection personnel that will be triaging and assessing properties in the Sparwood area. This work is being done in a proactive manner to establish adequate positioning if required.
  • Currently the community of Sparwood is not imminently threatened, however we want to give the structure protection personnel ample amount of time to deploy structure protection apparatus in the event of the fire progressing closer to the community of Sparwood.
  • A public information meeting is scheduled for tonight (Aug 9) at 8:00pm at the Sparwood Recreation & Leisure Centre (Community Hall). Anyone not able to attend the public information meeting can watch the meeting via Zoom.
    Zoom Browser Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84838520956
    Webinar ID: 848 3852 0956
    Telephone Option: +1 204 272 7920 / +1 438 809 7799 / +1 587 328 1099. Representatives from the BC Wildfire Service will be providing an update on the fire. Following the update, and time permitting, there will be an opportunity for Q&A until 8:45pm. The meeting is open to all. A recording of the meeting will be posted following the meeting.

August 9, 2022 – UPDATE 10:00 pm

Area Restriction In Place. For the safety of the public and crews, the BC Wildfire Service has implemented an area restriction around the Wilson Creek / Cummings Creek wildfire.

August 10, 2022 – UPDATE 10:00 am

Resources on the fire today include 40 firefighters – as two 20-person Unit Crews will be working on building access routes and contingency lines where safe to do so.

  • The fire continues to be in steep, inoperable terrain and remains highly visible.
  • The video from last night’s public meeting is below.
  • Residents of Sparwood and area can expect to see additional resources and personnel including fire apparatus and structure protection unit trailers today.  This work is being done in a proactive manner to establish adequate positioning if required.
  • Firefighting crews for Cummings Creek Fire are setting up a “fire camp” in Fernie. They will be using an area surrounding the Outdoor Rink in Fernie for overnight tenting and the Aquatics facility for showering. A section of the public parking area will be blocked off for parking firetrucks and other equipment. Please avoid the area where the camp is set up so that firefighting crews can rest and prepare to protect our communities.
  • Resources that were available at the meeting can be found in electronic version by clicking the button below.
RDEK Emergency Preparedness Handouts

August 11, 2022 – UPDATE 3:00 pm

  • View Wildfire of Note page here
  • Estimated size: 52.6 ha
  • There are currently 42 firefighters onsite that will be working on building access routes and contingency lines where safe to do so.
  • Today, if conditions allow, helicopter bucketing may occur on the northern flank of the fire, to provide some cooling effects on fire behaviour.
  • The fire is continuing to burn in extremely steep, inoperable terrain where it is unsafe for crews or equipment to work on direct suppression operations.
  • There was a public information meeting Aug 9 in Sparwood and the Incident Commander working on the fire gave a detailed update on the current status of the fire and the forecast moving forward.
  • Additional resources and personnel including fire apparatus and structure protection unit trailers are being positioned in Sparwood. This work is being done in a proactive manner to establish adequate positioning if required.
  • Smoke continues to be highly visible from the District of Sparwood and neighbouring communities and will remain visible as temperatures rise this week.
  • BC Wildfire Service operations staff are observing the fire daily. The Structure Protection Specialist has been working closely with the local fire departments and the RDEK to assess response efforts for the best chance of success.
  • BC Wildfire Service has uploaded a new operational update video for this fire (as of Aug 10), you can view it here.
  • There is an Area Restriction in effect for this fire. Click here to view the description and map.

August 12, 2022 – UPDATE 5:30 pm

UPDATE from BC Wildfire Services: Cummings Creek Fire (N11051)

  • Estimated size: 52.6 ha
  • There are currently 42 firefighters onsite working on building access routes and contingency lines to provide safe egress routes for crews to begin suppression activities.
  • Over the past several days, fire activity has continued within the perimeter and some growth has been observed on the southwest flank.
  • The fire has been backing into the wetter areas around the Cummings Creek and growth in the north and easterly directions has slowed, which has allowed the opportunity for crews to safely work on building limited access/egress routes.
  • Bucketing operations, coupled with the Unit Crews on the ground today, has allowed BC Wildfire Services to make progress on building containment along the north and east flanks of the fire. Due to the extreme slopes and limitations to operability, action will focus on the flanks of the fire closest to the communities of Sparwood and Elk Prairie at this time.
  • Crews will be assessing opportunities for direct attack on the north and east flanks of the fire and may conduct small hand ignition operations to burn any fuel between the fire perimeter and the creeks.
  • The structure protection teams working in Sparwood have been conducting practice drills to set up structure protection sprinklers, pumps and bladders, and to practice water shuttling. Residents may see an increase in activity today, but this is currently just to familiarize crews with operational areas and to test for efficiencies.
  • Bucketing operations, coupled with the Unit Crews on the ground today, has allowed BC Wildfire to make progress on building containment along the north and east flanks of the fire. Due to the extreme slopes and limitations to operability, action will focus on the flanks of the fire closest to the communities of Sparwood and Elk Prairie at this time.

View this fire of note here http://bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.ca/…/Wildfi…/OneFire.asp…

  • View the Wildfire of Note page
  • Size: 52.6 hectares (estimated)
  • Resources on the fire today: 40 firefighters (two unit crews), 47 structural protection personnel, and 8 operational support staff are working today.
  • Over the past several days, fire activity has continued within the perimeter and some growth has been observed on the southwest flank. The fire has been backing into the wetter areas around the Cummings Creek and growth in the north and easterly directions has slowed, which has allowed the opportunity for crews to safely work on building limited access/egress routes.
  • Two 20-person Unit Crews have been working on building limited access routes and will continue building containment lines on the south and east flanks where possible.
  • Danger tree assessments will be ongoing to ensure crew safety in work sites.
  • Crews will be assessing opportunities for direct attack on the north and east flanks of the fire and may conduct small hand ignition operations to burn any fuel between the fire perimeter and the creeks.
  • If smoke conditions allow, there may be helicopter bucketing on the northern flank of the fire, along Cummings Creek to provide some cooling effects on the fire and support the safety of crews working today.
  • An Area Restriction is in effect to protect the public in areas from wildfire or where fire suppression activities are taking place. Please respect the Area Restriction boundaries at all times. Click here to learn more/view the Area Restriction map.
  • Three Unit Crews have been working on building limited access routes and will continue building containment lines on the north and east flanks where possible and will be setting up a system of pumps and hose to deliver water to the containment lines.
  • Crews will be assessing opportunities for direct attack on the north and east flanks of the fire and may conduct small hand ignition operations to burn any fuel between the fire perimeter and the creeks.
  • To view the latest video with an update from the Incident Commander (Aug 13): https://vimeo.com/739285594
  • There is an Area Restriction in effect on ALL THREE FIRES: Connell Ridge, Weasel Creek and Cummings Creek. Barriers are up and it is clearly signed. PLEASE respect the Area Restrictions. To view the maps and learn more: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/fire-bans-and-restrictions/southeast-fire-centre-bans#current

    August 15, 2022 – UPDATE 7:15 pm
  • Over the past several days, crews have made great progress on the response efforts on this fire.
  • Conditions have been favourable for crews to make strong progress on building access routes and containment lines that allow them to conduct direct attack suppression in some areas of the north and east flanks.
  • With the recent favourable conditions and the ongoing hard work of the unit crews building containment and water delivery systems, it has been determined that the threat to the nearby community of Sparwood and Elk Prairie has diminished to the point that a portion of the large contingency of structure protection personnel has been released. 10 structure protection personnel remain in place and increased resourcing is available should it be needed in the future.
  • The fire is still classified as Out of Control and despite the progress being made by crews, there are areas of the fire that are entirely inaccessible. There is still potential for the fire to grow further as the extremely dry conditions continue in the area.
  • The BC Wildfire Service posted a brief video today about the conditions on the Cummings Creek Fire: https://youtu.be/EShn9P2wgXg
  • For more information visit www.bcwildfire.ca
  • Over the last few days crews have made great progress on the Cummings Creek wildfire (N11051) and completed their objectives at the end of the day yesterday. The 50ft wetline has been finished along the east flank along with the contingency line and hoselay up the Will Weaver creek drainage. All portions of the fire perimeter with safe and workable terrain have been actioned. Crews also completed planning and layout of contingency lines outside of the fire perimeter in the event that fire growth occurs back down towards the valley bottom. This is not currently anticipated to occur.
  • Sprinkler systems and hoselay will remain in place and prepped for use should fire activity increase and the need arise.
  • A daily assessment of the fire will be conducted, and a remote camera is in place to further assist in monitoring this fire.
  • For regular updates on the Cummings Creek wildfire, please refer to the wildfire of note webpage: http://ow.ly/4SW150KmuZl

This video footage found here https://www.facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo taken today and shows the current fire activity on the Cummings Creek wildfire.

Please note that as of end of day Monday, August 22 the Cummings Creek wildfire will no longer be a fire of note.

An infrared scanning team will be on site tonight scanning the south, east and north flanks of the fire perimeter for hot spots. Crews will be using the results of the scan to locate and extinguish hotspots.

Based on observations made during the daily assessment of the fire, crews were back on site on August 20 to action hot spots that popped up along the north flank of the fire. Crews also completed planning and layout of contingency lines outside of the fire perimeter in the event that fire growth occurs back down towards the valley bottom. This is not currently anticipated to occur.

Sprinkler systems and hoselay remain in place and prepped for use should fire activity increase and the need arise. A daily assessment of the fire will be conducted, and a remote camera is in place to monitor the fire.

The Incident Management Team assigned to the Connell Ridge (N10989) wildfire and the Weasel Creek wildfire (N11062) has taken over control of the Cummings Creek wildfire and resources will be shared between the three incidents as required.


Post Date: August 3, 2022   |   Category: News & Updates