People Ordered From Homes in Southeastern B.C. As Forest Fire Draws Near
Posted on: Sunday, 5 August 2007, 00:16 CDT
SLOCAN, B.C. (CP) - People in 30 homes in southeastern B.C.'s Slocan Valley were ordered to leave Saturday as a forest fire advanced.
The order covers houses north of Slocan along Highway 6 northwest of Nelson. The highway has also been closed due to falling debris.
An evacuation alert is in place for residences south of Silverton.
There are 115 firefighters, four helicopters and 21 pieces of heavy equipment working on the Springer Creek blaze, which is estimated at 25 square kilometres.
Fire officials say the fire grew aggressively on Thursday and Friday due to highs winds.
Water bombers were also used on Friday.
Structural protection units have been put around the homes.
The fire is burning in very steep terrain, and moving quickly down the hillside toward the highway.
Crews have built eight kilometres of fire guards between the blaze and buildings on the south flank of the fire.
Forests Minister Rich Coleman said the length of the evacuation will depend on the wind because strong winds and difficult terrain are hampering efforts to get the fire in check.
Residents who were evacuated have been placed in a youth centre.
Source: Canadian Press
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