Firefighters from Silver Creek, Deep Creek Ranchero and Falkland, accompanied by BC Wildfire Service personnel, attacked a blaze in the Yankee Flats area on July 1, 2021. (Contributed)

UPDATE: Yankee Flats fire south of Salmon Arm being mopped up

CSRD fire departments returned to quarters, BC Wildfire Service still on scene

  • Jul. 1, 2021 12:00 a.m.

Update: 5:10 p.m., Thursday, July 1

What remains of the Yankee Flats fire is being mopped up by the BC Wildfire Service.

Columbia Shuswap Regional District Fire Services Co-ordinator Sean Coubrough said firefighters from the Silver Creek, Deep Creek Ranchero and Falkland fire departments have left the scene, located off of Yankee Flats Road by Lionel Road. BC Wildfire Service personnel remain on scene to complete the mop up.

The fire was reported just before noon and Silver Creek firefighters were first on the scene, described as a somewhat cleared area where flames were moving towards a stand of nearby trees. Coubrough said the Deep Creek Ranchero and Falkland fire departments were immediately called to provide mutual aid. The BC Wildfire Service was also called to provide assistance.

Coubrough said firefighters kept the blaze from reaching the trees and were able to contain it to less than a hectare.

An ambulance crew was also on scene to provide support and monitor firefighters.

Coubrough was unable to comment on the cause of the fire and said BC Wildfire Service is investigating.

Update: 4:20 p.m., Thursday, July 1

The Silver Creek Fire Department confirms a blaze at Yankee Flats has been contained.

Witnesses reported seeing helicopters involved in the attack, assisting firefighters on the ground to bring the blaze under control.

Original story

Shuswap fire departments are responding to a forest fire in Yankee Flats.

Ranchero Deep Creek and Falkland fire departments have been called to provide mutual aid for the Silver Creek Fire Department, which is attacking a blaze reported to be up a logging road near Watson Road.

More to come.

Read more: Cause of growing Lytton fire under investigation, Horgan commits to rebuild

Read more: Fires north of Big White grow to over 1,400 hectares


lachlan@saobserver.netLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter


Sign up for our newsletter to get Salmon Arm stories in your inbox every morning.

Salmon Arm Observer

 

A BC Wildfire Service helicopter drops a bucket of water on a fire in the Yankee Flats area on Thursday, July 1, 2021. (Contributed)

Firefighters from Silver Creek, Deep Creek Ranchero and Falkland, accompanied by BC Wildfire Service personnel, attacked a blaze in the Yankee Flats area on July 1, 2021. (Contributed)