Carlson Point Wildfire Grows to 250 Hectares

Press Releases

2015-07-07

UPDATE #6, July 7, 13:40pm, At this time, the wildfire is now covering over 250 hectares.

UPDATE #5, July 7, 10:25am – State of Local Emergency Declared and Evacuation Order Issued

Yesterday the SCRD declared a State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area B and issued an evacuation order for the Carlson Pt. area. This is due to the closure of the Trout Lake Carlson Forest service road. Search and Rescue and the RCMP delivered the orders by boat today.
All residents have evacuated. The EOC is fully operational and is supporting the residents with emergency support services through ESS. The fire is now 150 ha and exhibiting rank 3-4 fire behavior.

UPDATE #4, July 5, 23:20pm – Faller lost his life in a workplace accident

A terrible tragedy occurred today on the fire ground. A contract faller lost his life in a workplace accident. The RCMP and Worksafe are investigating. This is a sobering reminder of the danger firefighters face suppressing forest fires. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and co-workers. Smoke and ash from the fire was a large concern today due to outflow winds. A wildfire smoke advisory has been posted for the Sunshine Coast by the BC Ministry of Environment. The SCRD call centre 604-885-6800 has fielded over 200 calls since being activated at 14:00 yesterday. Callers have the option of talking to a person or listening to a recorded message. Most calls have been smoke related. The www.scrd.ca website is a good source for those seeking information.

UPDATE #3, July 5, 17:45pm

Issued at 2015-07-05 21:25 UTC by Environment Canada: Special weather statement and smoke advisory issued for: Sunshine Coast, B.C. (082300)

Forest fires in the coast mountains north of Whistler have produced a large volume of smoke which drifted over the Lower Mainland this morning. The smoke is now covering Southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland and extends back to the fires in the coast mountains.

Weather conditions today have pushed the smoke to the coast but winds will shift tonight to an onshore flow so that cleaner marine air should move in from the west on Monday.

The public is advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings as warnings may be required or extended.

Please monitor the latest forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada at www.weather.gc.ca

UPDATE #2, July 5, 12:30pm

The fire is now at 80ha. Due to the tremendous efforts of crews the fire is 40% contained. The growth has been mostly to the north. Outflow wind overnight has caused heavy smoke to drift over Sechelt. This may exacerbate pre-existing respiratory conditions. Containment lines will be strengthened and guards constructed today.

Resources on the fire:
– 55 Firefighters
– 2 Officers
– 3 Water Tenders
– 3 Helicopters
– 4 Excavators

The SCRD will continue to support firefighting efforts by providing public information via all media platforms, staffing a 24/7 information line, liaison services and GIS mapping services.

UPDATE #1, July 4, 19:30pm

Extremely strong winds and very low RH is forecast for this evening providing unusual overnight burning conditions. The fire is being managed by Coastal Fire Centre (CFC). The onshore winds are currently moving smoke up the Inlet away from town. BCEHS has had a significant increase in respiratory distress calls due to the smoke yesterday. The Sechelt Hospital is at capacity. The fire is currently over 100 ha in size.Extremely strong winds and very low RH is forecast for this evening [July 4] providing unusual overnight burning conditions. The fire is being managed by Coastal Fire Centre (CFC). The onshore winds are currently moving smoke up the Inlet away from town. BCEHS has had a significant increase in respiratory distress calls due to the smoke yesterday. The Sechelt Hospital is at capacity. The fire is currently over 100 ha in size. Danger trees are being dealt with to provide safe access for fire crews. Heavy equipment is being used to reinforce containment lines. The SCRD is setting up a manned public information line today to divert inquiries away from the Coastal Fire Centre. New information can be obtained on the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) web site or by calling the CFC at 250 951-4209. The SCRD has activated an Emergency Operations Center at Level 1 today. The following information was available at 10:00 AM:

1. Firefighting resources are minimal at the Carlson fire due to a substantial fire taking place in Nanaimo (some residents are being evacuated).
2. Yesterday about 6 loads of retardant was dropped on the fire by a water bomber. The water bombers get recharged at Campbell River and fly with their loads to Sechelt.
3. A helicopter is working to drop water on the fire. Water is being obtained from either Wormy Lake or Carlson Lake.
4. More retardant will be flown over and dumped on the fire today.
5. Winds are not helping he situation. Winds for today are expected to be in the range of about 30 knots.
6. The fire officials consider this fire to be “Serious.”
7. Water for ground servicing is being trucked by tanker trucks from a hydrant at the end of Mason Road.
8. The old mine site road is closed to all traffic. Onlookers are advised to stay away to allow firefighting equipment and personnel clear access to and from the site.
9. Currently the fire department is monitoring various areas for falling embers. Owners are warned to take all the dried moss and leaves from the roof and gutters to prevent fires starting from the dropping embers.
10. Falling ash has been reported at West Sechelt, Oracle and Baillie Roads and as far as Gibsons. Keep a sharp watch for the embers.
11. Residents living in the Carlson Point subdivision are on Evacuation Alert and may need to leave their homes at very short notice.
12. The Province will cover 3 days of food and lodging for evacuees at no cost, if the total evacuation order is mandated.
13. Police will be turning anyone traveling to this restricted area.

ILR5