UPDATE (this will be our last for the day, unless events warrant): Sunshine Coast RCMP say “curious on-lookers” are endangering fire crews working the “Old Sechelt Mine” fire.
RCMP say crews have reported seeing several people within the immediate area of the fire, which has been restricted to the public. Some are walking in; others are riding bicycles or motorbikes and ATVs.
Police say they’re putting themselves at risk, but the distraction of dealing with them is putting fire crews in danger as well.
As a result, fire crews and the Sunshine Coast RCMP are asking the public to stay away from the zone South from Mason into Old Minesite Road, East from Halfmoon Crowston and South from Halfmoon Carlson Road.
That entire area has been declared an exclusion zone under the Wildfire Act.
“What the public needs to know is that the fire crews need to remain focused on the fire”, says Sgt. Steve Chubey, Operations NCO for the Sunshine Coast RCMP. “This is a very dangerous fire. The crews not only have to fight the fire, but they are watching for falling trees and operating heavy equipment and helicopters in the area. Any distraction can be life-threatening”.
People caught illegally entering the exclusion zone can be charged. RCMP are also warning people that operating motorbikes and ATVs in the area is a fire risk because of the extreme danger ratings, and it could also lead to charges if the activity ignites another fire.
The Coastal Fire Centre, meanwhile, says there’s been little change in the status of the fire since early Saturday. It remains at 65 hectares, and ground crews have been getting support from helicopters and air tankers and the main goal right now is to establish fire breaks using some of the existing roads in the area, and to take down danger trees.
UPDATE 4:00 pm July 4: The Sunshine Coast Regional District and Coastal Fire Centre have updated the status of the “Old Sechelt Mine” fire.
The fire is now estimated to be 65 hectares.
No structures are currently threatened and there are no evacuations so far, just the alert for Carlson Point.
Fire Information Officer Donna MacPherson says the new size estimate is because the fire has grown, but also because they’re getting more accurate information. She also says the fire is not moving any closer to residential areas, but at this point they can’t say how well they have it contained.
RCM SAR says Station 12 from Halfmoon Bay is on stand-by in Sechelt Inlet to offer any assistance, after helping deliver evacuation alert notices on Friday. Sunshine Coast RCMP have brought one of their marine units to Sechelt Inlet as well, in case it’s needed.
The SCRD is setting up a public information line. Call 604-885-6800 you’ll have the option of a recorded message or speaking with staff.
If you discover burning embers drifting from the fire, please call 9-1-1.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, although MacPherson says they suspect it was person caused.
ORIGINAL STORY: An evacuation alert remains in place for 18 properties in Carlson Point, north of Sechelt, because of the “Old Sechelt Mine” wildfire.
Crews have been using heavy equipment on the fire, to widen roads in the area to try to create fire breaks. As of late Friday it was still estimated at 35 hectares.
It’s one of several fires that broke out in southern BC Thursday and Friday, and Fire Information Officer Donna MacPherson says it’s stretching Coastal Fire Centre Resources.
MacPherson says people need to do all they can to avoid sparking fires.
An evacuation alert is also still in place for a handful of properties near the fire that started Thursday near the Nanaimo Airport. For updates on the status of that alert visit the Town of Ladysmith website.
Coastal Fire Centre crews and local fire departments are working to get at the last hot spots in trees and smoldering fields. The fire is still considered active by the Coastal Fire Centre.
If you’re bothered by the smoke in the air from the fires, check out this advice from the Canadian Lung Association’s website
You can see our earlier story on the fires, here.
