Thanks to a change in weather and the hard work of firefighters, things are finally looking up at the Syringa Complex wildfires north and west of Castlegar.
The Syringa Creek fire which has been burning since August 11 is now “being held”, which means that it is not expected to grow past its current borders. The fire has burned 3193 hectares.
The other major fires in the complex — Deer Creek and Bulldog Mountain — are fire also “being held”, say officials at the Southeast Fire Centre.
Deer Creek reached 3,849 hectares and Bulldog Mountain near Renata reached 2,227 hectares.
Smouldering ground fire and smoke will still be visible within the fire perimeters, the SEFC says.
Evacuation alerts and orders for the fires have been rescinded, but an area restriction still remains in place for the area north of Rialto Forest Service Road, Broad Water Road, Deer Park FSR, up to Mount Stanley and west of Oak Road, However, the public is being allowed to access the gun range in the area.
The area restriction including Renata, south of Dog Creek and Faith Creek south to Dog Road has been rescinded. However, wildfire personnel along and helicopters are still working in the area, and wildfire officials are asking the public to respect all signage along the roads for their safety and the safety of crews.
A voluntary trail closure remains in effect on the Columbia Western Rail Trail starting on the west end of Arrow Lake Drive south of the Hugh Keenleyside Dam and at the Paulson Detour Road and rail trail trailhead.
