Residents may have seen smoke and fire coming from the north bench last night. At approximately 3 a.m. this morning, Golden Fire Rescue quickly responded to a house fire on Deer Ridge Rd. Golden Fire responded quickly with one ladder truck, engine 7, one unit truck, two command vehicles and 16 firefighters. All occupants of the home made it out safely. Firefighters are still on the scene wrapping up.
After lightning activity in the valley last night, no new fires have been reported to the BC Wildfire Service. However, fires can start up to 72 hours after a lightning event. To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire in British Columbia, please call 1-800-663-5555 or (*5555 from a cell phone) as soon as possible.
Today’s weather is expected to be similar to yesterday. BC Wildfire reports that with this weather there is potential for more fire behaviour and a potential risk for thunderstorms with dry lightning. Smoke and increased fire activity may be visible from Highway 95 and surrounding communities.
BC Wildfire crews continue to focus on priority areas in the interface undertaking direct attack on the fire's edge, extinguishing hotspots, and reinforcing and extending contingency lines. The 10-hectare burn on August 1 was successful and crews continue to mop up in the area. Danger tree assessment and falling is being completed as crews work into new ground.
Plans are in place for two ignitions, on the northern edge and southeast perimeter, and will be implemented when site and weather conditions allow. The purpose of these ignitions is to remove unburnt fuel between the free burning fire’s edge and established control lines. This will allow for crews to more efficiently contain the fire perimeter in the valley bottom. Smoke from planned ignitions will be highly visible. For more information on the wildfire status and response, please visit the BC Wildfire Dashboard: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/incidents?fireYear=2024&incidentNumber=N21427
Over the long weekend, residents are reminded that a campfire ban is in place, to watch for bucketing helicopters on the Columbia River and surrounding areas.
Wildfires are dynamic and can change rapidly, be prepared and stay tuned to official news sources. View all news and updates at www.golden.ca/news, follow us on social media, sign up for the e-newsletter at www.golden.ca/newsletter and sign up for Alertable at www.csrd.bc.ca/alertable