As a result of work by firefighting crews and recent rainfall, most of the wildfires that make up the Syringa Complex in the Southeast Fire Centre are now classified as “being held.”

They include the Syringa Creek, Deer Creek, North of Bowman Creek, and Michaud Creek wildfires.

Enough fire suppression has occurred that these fires are unlikely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries. As a result, the Regional District of Central Kootenay has rescinded the evacuation alerts associated with the Syringa Creek and Deer Creek wildfires.

Progress is also being made on the Bulldog Mountain wildfire, although it has not yet been contained.  On Sept. 11, 2018, the Regional District of Central Kootenay downgraded its evacuation order for the area (including Renata) to an evacuation alert, allowing residents to return home.

Syringa Complex operational update:

A nine-person incident management team is in charge of the Syringa Complex. Twelve firefighting aircraft are currently assigned to these fires, and a temporary weather station and site-specific rain gauges have been installed to help predict fire behaviour.

• The Syringa Creek wildfire (N52548) covers about 3,193 hectares and is being held.
• The Deer Creek wildfire (N52489) covers about 3,849 hectares and is being held.
• The North of Bowman Creek wildfire (N52723) covers about 548 hectares and is being held.
• The Michaud Creek wildfire (N53039) covers about 11 hectares and is being held.
• The Bulldog Mountain wildfire (N52497) covers about 2,227 hectares is currently out of control.

The North of Bowman Creek and Michaud Creek wildfires are burning in remote areas, and are not posing a threat to any communities or structures. They are both classified as “monitored” fires, which means they are being observed closely and assessed regularly. The goal is to determine appropriate response options to minimize social disruption and/or significant impacts on values and resources, while achieving beneficial ecological, economic or resource management objectives.

Although progress is being made on all wildfires in the Syringa Complex, some area restrictions and forest service road closures remain in effect to protect public safety and avoid interference with firefighting operations.

Access restrictions around Syringa Complex wildfires:

• An area restriction is in effect for the area north of the Rialto Forest Service Road, along Broadwater Road and Deer Park Forest Service Road. The boundary includes the area west of Oak Road and north to Mount Stanley. A detailed map is available online: http://ow.ly/diwX30lt3hH
• An area restriction is in effect for the area bounded by the Dog Creek, Grass Creek and Bulldog Eight forest service roads and the height of land connecting those perimeters. A detailed map is available online: http://ow.ly/7fJr30lr1ye
• A voluntary trail closure is in effect for the Columbia Western Rail Trail, starting at the west end of Arrow Lake Drive (which is south of the Hugh Keenleyside Dam) to the Paulson Detour Road and rail trail intersection at the trailhead kiosk. This trail is being used by fire crews, so it would be helpful if the public could refrain from using the trail at this time.

Members of the public must stay away from active wildfires. Government officials who are engaged in wildfire control, including firefighters, have the authority to order anyone to leave such areas.

Update on evacuation alerts and evacuation orders:

• The evacuation order for the area northwest of Brooklyn, including Renata, has been downgraded to an evacuation alert.

• The evacuation alert for the area including Syringa Provincial Park and southeast along Lower Arrow Lake to the Hugh Keenleyside Dam in Robson has been rescinded.
• The evacuation alert for the area including the Deer Park and Broadwater Road area has been rescinded.
• The evacuation alert for the area including the community of Brooklyn and all properties to the southeast to Shields Point has been rescinded.

For the latest detailed information about evacuation orders and evacuation alerts in this area, please contact the Regional District of Central Kootenay at 250 352-7701 or visit its website: www.rdck.ca

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 toll-free. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air quality advisories, visit: www.bcwildfire.ca

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