RCMP assisting in fire areas

Central Interior, North Okanagan RCMP continue to provide assistance in multiple fire affected areas.

Currently, several RCMP detachments in the Southeast District are assisting the Thompson Nicola Regional District, Columbia Shuswap Regional District and the Ministry of Forest Wildfire Management Branch in two geographical areas with several communities affected by fires.

The Clinton Detachment continues to provide resources to maintain perimeter security and entry control points in the affected areas. There are currently thirteen (13) RCMP members dedicated to provide 24 hour fire duty coverage to the area referred as the Kelly Lake Fire.

The Central Interior and North Okanagan detachments of Chase, Salmon Arm, Barriere and Vernon North Okanagan Detachment (Falkland) with a total of twenty two (22) members dedicated to provide 24 hour fire duty coverage to the areas affected by the following fires:

• Lion’s Head (K21524) Community of Pritchard
• Chase Creek / Harper Lake (K21585) Community of Chase Creek
• Notch Hill (K31483) Turtle Valley Community of Turtle Valley
• Martin Mountain / Pritchard Paxton Valley Communities of Pritchard and Paxton Valley

“We continuously review our operational planning in respect to the projected resource requirements for these fire situations and will continue to have the required resources in place for the duration of these incidents. Our highest priority is the safety of the public in addition to protecting private property and community interests during periods of evacuation. Our securing these areas is also meant to ensure that fire fighting efforts can be conducted unfettered. As of Sunday August 30th, we now have over 40 officers manning dedicated fire duties”, stated Cpl Dan Moskaluk.

Cpl Moskaluk is currently in the Chase area today responding to media interest and can be contacted at 250-863-7433.

For more information regarding these current fires information please contact:

• The Thompson Nicola Regional District contact: Liz Cornwell, Information Officer at Phone: (250) 377-7188, toll Free in BC: 1 866 377 7188 or go to http://www.tnrd.bc.ca

• The Columbia Shuswap Regional District For up to date information please contact the CSRD at 250-833-3350 http://www.csrd.bc.ca , or visit the Shuswap Emergency Program website at: http://www.sepadvisory.com

• The BC Ministry of Forests Wildfire Branch at bcwildfire.ca

• drivebc.ca for road conditions and closures

• bcairquality.ca The Air Quality Health Index is a health protection tool that is designed to help you make decisions to protect your health by limiting short-term exposure to air pollution and adjusting your activity levels during increased levels of air pollution.

• interiorhealth.ca During a forest fire, be aware of health risks associated with exposure to smoke, food safety in power outages, and water quality.

Kelowna
August 30, 2009
RCMP file # 2009-08-30