An evacuation order that was issued for 10 properties and an evacuation alert issued for 42 properties in the Baynes Lake area, has been rescinded thanks to the efforts of RDEK's South Country Fire Departments and B.C Wildfire Service.
"We cannot thank the firefighters on the ground and in the air enough," said regional emergency operations centre information officer Loree Duczek. "The location of the fire and the conditions yesterday were extremely challenging and their efforts truly resulted in this positive outcome."
The evacuation order was issued Sept.9 for residents living on Palmer Rd., Saunders Rd., Sharpe Rd., and Springer Rd. The alert applied to all properties west of Baynes Lake on Currie Rd. and Baynes Lake Rd.; all properties southwest of Baynes Lake on Springhill Rd.; all properties south of Baynes Lake on the west side of Baynes Lake Loop Rd.; and properties southwest of Baynes Lake on Sundown Lane, MacMillan Rd. and Palmer Rd.
Emergency services carried out a tactical evacuation in the afternoon, as tinder dry conditions and gusting winds fuelled the Kikomun wildfire.
“The tactical evacuation was performed by RDEK firefighters in response to the rapidly evolving situation and everyone was able to get out safely," said Duczek.
According to the B.C Wildfire Service, the fire grew to be 8.45 hectares before being held and is suspected to be human-caused.
The City of Fernie sent three firefighters and a tender to the scene, and local Emergency Support Services mobilized a crew of volunteers. The RCMP and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure provided further assistance.
A reception was established in the Baker Salon at the Prestige Inn in Cranbrook to house evacuees overnight.
Crews and equipment will continue to work in the wildfire area.
