Local Area News

Friday, August 24, 2018 Fire Update –

The fire has not shown much growth overnight and remains at approximately 168 hectares. Yesterday, there were 2 fire retardant drops via air tanker between the South Flank of the fire and the hydro lines.

Current priorities on the South flank are to have personnel brush around the hydro lines to help prevent the fire from reaching the lines.

On the North flank of the fire, guards are being created using machines and will be tied into the Zeballos River in an effort to push the fire back up the mountain-side. Personnel will also be setting up a wet line between the Tsunami Evacuation Site sea cans and the base of the mountain.

You can help to protect your home. Here are a few easy fire prevention tips from the FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual:

• Keep grass within 10 meters of any building mowed and watered
• Position your propane tanks at least 10 metres from any building
• Be sure your driveway is wide enough to accommodate emergency vehicles

Pick up your own copy of the FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual at the Post Office or Village Office.

Extension Request For State Of Local Emergency

WHEREAS life and property remain at risk due to an Interface Fire in the Village of Zeballos;

AND WHEREAS the Mayor of the Village of Zeballos has requested to extend the duration of the declaration of a state of local emergency due to expire on August 23, 2018 at midnight;

IT IS HEREBY APPROVED pursuant to Section 12(6) of the Emergency Program Act (RS, 1996, Chap.111) that the Village of Zeballos may extend the duration of a state of local emergency for a further seven days to August 30, 2018 at midnight.

See official approval of this extension here: State of Local Emergency Extension – Expires August 30, 2018

Thursday, August 23, 2018 Wildfire update:

The fire on the ridge is now 168 hectares in size. It is a rank 2 (open flame) fire. There will be a RAP crew brushing along the hydro lines at the south flank and a 10 member crew concentrating their efforts on the north flank.

Current Priorities to the South:

• Protection of the main powerlines to the community;
• Possible sprinkler system around hydro lines, though water supply might be an issue; and
• Looking to send an aircraft in to look at the possibility of dropping fire retardant between the south flank and the hydro lines.

Current Priorities to the North:

• Excavator work to establish a fire guard; and
• Directing more water on the fire.

You can help to protect your home. According to the BC FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual:

“Wildfire can follow a path from a forest or grassland to your home. A wildfire moving from the tops of trees can be slowed if the trees are spaced out. It can be further slowed by flame-resistant plants and shrubs in your yard.”

What to do?

1. Yard Spacing: Move combustible materials at least 10 metres from your home, such as firewood and stored fuel.
2. Tree Spacing: Leave at least 3 metres between trees on your property.
3. Prune Trees: Remove all tree branches within 2 metres of the ground.

Pick up your own copy of the FireSmart Homeowner’s Manual at the Post Office or Village Office.

View full PDF  here: August 23 Wildfire Update.