Three properties with structures have been impacted by the Nk’Mip wildfire, according to the most recent RDOS information session update.
RDOS information officer Erick Thompson stated that one property with one RV and one structure have been lost, and potentially two other properties with structures have been impacted, though not confirmed yet.
Thompson made a point to emphasize that the RDOS contacted the property owners directly regarding this information, and they were made aware of the impact on their property.
“That’s an important point because when people hear about structures lost, and they’re out on an evacuation order, the worst thing would be for them to not know,” said Thompson.
The RDOS emergency operation centre has deployed a rapid damage assessment team that is currently assessing any structures damaged by the Nk’Mip wildfire.
The changing weather conditions are proving to be challenging to BC Wildfire Service in terms of providing guidance for local governments’ evacuation orders and alerts.
“It’s extremely challenging, especially when some of the evacuation alerts and orders are in areas that don’t appear to be in close proximity to the fire, but changing conditions and fire behaviour makes it really challenging to properly assess what that might mean in the bigger picture of the fire. So keeping in mind, we are making our recommendations based on the bigger picture and looking long term at what conditions may lead to,” said Dani McIntosh of BC Wildfire Service.
McIntosh also reminds residents and visitors alike to stay out of those areas under evacuation orders.
“Our crews are in there trying to work on structural protection and enforcing those perimeters around those communities. So having people in those areas can also disrupt the efficiency of that work being completed. It’s really important we do ask that residents obey those evacuation alerts and orders,” said McIntosh.
The Nk’Mip wildfire is still measured at 6,800 hectares although there has been significant growth on the northeast side of the fire. However, fire behaviour and smoke conditions have made it difficult to accurately update the size.
There are currently 134 wildfire firefighters, 46 structural protection personnel, five aircrafts, and 26 heavy equipment operators who are supporting the efforts to manage this fire.
Fire crews in the area are still working on protecting structures by Shrike Hill. They are also doing mop up work around residential areas near McKinney Rd, Nk’Mip Rd and Shrike Hill, by burning off any unburnt fuel, reinforcing existing guards and extinguishing hotspots.
People are also reminded to stay away from fire camps to provide privacy for the crew during their down time, as well as avoid traffic congestion in the area.
