Monday, July 31, 2023
Early Discount Price Ending
Forecast to help Osoyoos fire fight, push fire away from town - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Forecast to help Osoyoos fire fight, push fire away from town - Oliver/Osoyoos News: UPDATE: 9:50 a.m. Skies are noticeably less smoky Monday in Osoyoos as compared to Sunday, which is great news for aerial support fighting the Eagle Bluff wildfire.
Sunday, July 30, 2023
Eagle Bluff wildfire to be monitored through the night, evac order, alerts remain - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Eagle Bluff wildfire to be monitored through the night, evac order, alerts remain - Oliver/Osoyoos News: UPDATE: 9:06 p.m. The BC Wildlife Service says crews will be actioning the blaze overnight.
Fire Danger Rating
The "Grizzly Ext" weather station that we have been advised to follow has us as a narrow spot of 3, or moderate fire risk. We are surrounded by 4, or high, with a band of 5 or extreme close to the border in the Boundary.
Considerations for Commercial Operators:
Step 1. What is a high risk activity?
Your first step is to determine if your proposed activity is considered a "high risk activity".
High risk activities are defined in the Wildfire Regulation under "Definitions".
In the Wildfire Regulation, high risk activities mean each of the following:
(As per Wildfire Regulation consolidated April 2023.)
(a) mechanical brushing;
(b) disk trenching;
(c) preparation or use of explosives;
(d) using fire- or spark-producing tools, including cutting tools;
(e) using or preparing fireworks or pyrotechnics;
(f) grinding, including rail grinding;
(g) mechanical land clearing;
(h) clearing and maintaining rights of way, including grass mowing;
(i) any of the following activities carried out in a cutblock excluding a road, landing, roadside work area or log sort area in the cutblock:
(i) operating a power saw;
(ii) mechanical tree felling, woody debris piling or tree processing, including de-limbing;
(iii) welding;
(iv) portable wood chipping, milling, processing or manufacturing;
(v) skidding logs or log forwarding unless it is improbable that the skidding or forwarding will result in the equipment contacting rock;
(vi) yarding logs using cable systems;
(j) to (q) Repealed. [B.C. Reg. 213/2008, s. 1 (b).]
If you have determined that your proposed activity is listed above as a high risk activity, your next step is to find out what the fire danger rating is at your proposed location of operation. See Step 2.
Step 2. What is the fire danger rating at the location of my operation?
Under section 6 of the Wildfire Regulation, those conducting high risk activities are required to use representative weather data to determine the fire danger rating for their location. The source of this data could be internal weather stations, other third parties, or the detailed fire danger ratings provided (at the bottom of the Fire danger page) for every BC Wildfire Service weather station.
These detailed fire danger ratings may be applicable to the location of the high risk activity, or may be adapted by persons using this data to the specific location of the high risk activity.
It is also possible to gain access to daily fire weather data and forecasts from the BC Wildfire Service using a BCeID. To access these pages you will need to:
1) Register for a BCeID; available at www.bceid.ca
2) Contact your fire centre or HPR.1800@gov.bc.ca, Superintendent, Fire Weather, with the following information:
- Name
- BCeID user name
- Company name
- Your position with the company
- Company address
- Contact phone number
- Email address
Once you know what the fire danger rating is at your proposed location of operation, reference Schedule 3 Restrictions on High Risk Activities of the Wildfire Regulation to find out if there are any restrictions on how and when you can conduct a high risk activity. See Step 3.
Schedule 3
Restrictions on High Risk Activities
(As per Wildfire Regulation consolidated April 2023)
Fire Danger Class (DGR) | Restriction | Duration |
|---|---|---|
III | After 3 consecutive days of DGR III or greater, implement a fire watch immediately after the high risk activity ends for a minimum of one hour. | Until after the fire danger class falls below DGR III. |
IV | Implement a fire watch immediately after the high risk activity ends for a minimum of two hours. | Until after the fire danger class falls to DGR III for 2 consecutive days or falls below DGR III. |
| After 3 consecutive days of DGR IV, cease activity between 1 p.m. PDT (Pacific Daylight Savings Time) and sunset each day. | Until after the fire danger class falls to DGR III for 2 consecutive days, or falls below DGR III. |
V | Cease activity between 1 p.m. PDT (Pacific Daylight Savings Time) and sunset each day and implement a fire watch immediately after the high risk activity ends for a minimum of two hours. | Until after the fire danger class falls below DGR IV for 2 or more consecutive days. |
| After 3 consecutive days of DGR V, cease activity all day. | Until after the fire danger class to DGR IV for 3 or more consecutive days or falls below DGR IV. |
This chart outlines the restrictions that may exist on a high risk activity.
Last few days up here: 3,2,3,3,4,3
Use caution when performing higher risk activities - maintain fire watch at least one hour after finishing. If you have a "P" can - fill it, working in your yard, have a hose handy.
Update from Washington State
***Initial Update - Eagle Bluff Fire: 4:11pm - 30JULY2023***
Approximate Size: 10,000 acres
Location: ¾ mile west of Oroville, WA
Containment: 0%
Fire Danger: Very High
Structures Lost
Primary (residence) – 3
Secondary (out building) - 1
Northeast Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team #2 is currently responding to the Eagle Bluff Fire, approximately ¾ of a mile west of town of Oroville, WA.
Local initial attack resources and regional air assets have been on scene since this fire was first reported and assessed yesterday, July 29. This initial attack effort is now being augmented by resources arriving from out of the area, including the Prineville Hot Shots, engines, and various additional air assets. Suppression efforts will be executed throughout the day, and activities will continue overnight as safety considerations for firefighters allow.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Washington Department of Natural Resources fire investigators and the Okanogan County Sherriff. Managers are engaging in a full suppression strategy and have substantial portions of bulldozer line around accessible parts of the fire perimeter.
Okanogan County Emergency Management has up to date information on road closures, evacuation notices and other safety advisories on their webpage: https://okanogancounty.org/.../emerg.../active_incidents.php
This is incident will be updated on at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident.../wacof-eagle-bluff
Emergency Department in Oliver is closed Sunday night - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Emergency Department in Oliver is closed Sunday night - Oliver/Osoyoos News: South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH) will be closed overnight Sunday into Monday due to unexpected limited physician availability.
Dog - dropped off?
This sweetie was found up at Mt. Baldy. If this dog belongs to you please contact Angela at 250 492 3801
Osoyoos declares State of Emergency, evacuation orders issued over Eagle Bluff wildfire - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Osoyoos declares State of Emergency, evacuation orders issued over Eagle Bluff wildfire - Oliver/Osoyoos News: UPDATE 7:50 a.m. DriveBC is advising motorists to avoid Highway 3 between Keremeos and Osoyoos due to the Eagle Bluff wildfire.
This latest update from Castanet adds more properties on alert - including Osoyoos Lakeshore properties of family and friends. Lots of irrigated farm land between the fire and those properties.
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Evacuation order in Osoyoos for Lone Pine Creek wildfire - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Evacuation order in Osoyoos for Lone Pine Creek wildfire - Oliver/Osoyoos News: UPDATE: 11:09 p.m. The Town of Osoyoos has declared a State of Local Emergency due to the Lone Pine Creek Wildfire.
Our friends from Anarchist Mountain Fire Dept
They were doing Wildfire training today, and now part of the team has been deployed to the fire by Osoyoos.
Thank-you Melissa Genberg for this photo taken from the East Bench, above Haynes Point at 9:38 tonight * and 11:00pm update
Posted with permission from photographer Melissa Genberg.
Castanet Updates
I have been updating the Castanet posts , but will not be doing that through the night. Go to Castanet if the post seems stale.
We know many people in the evac order and alert areas.
U.S. wildfire puts Osoyoos on Evacuation Alert - Oliver/Osoyoos News
U.S. wildfire puts Osoyoos on Evacuation Alert - Oliver/Osoyoos News: UPDATE: 9:28 p.m. The Lone Pine Creek wildfire has officially crossed the border from Oroville, Washington USA into Canada.
Great Food, and a little stress for dinner at the top of the village
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| Outside after dinner looking to the right. |
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| Outside after dinner looking to the left. |
Heavy smoke blowing into Okanagan from U.S. wildfire - Oliver/Osoyoos News
Heavy smoke blowing into Okanagan from U.S. wildfire - Oliver/Osoyoos News: UPDATE 6:57 p.m. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has activated its regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and said they are working with the Town of Osoyoos to support BC Wildfire Service.
Baldy family reporting smoke and ash in Kelowna.
Glad our friends are on the mountain...........
This photo taken about 6:00pm next door to "Red Dog's" house
Update from friends with a good look at the fire - it is moving north and west, away from our friends home.
Poof!
https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/incidents?fireYear=2023&incidentNumber=K52318
Lone Pine Creek Fire
I headed for town just after 3:00pm - there were two questionable white clouds to the south. By the time I made two stops and went into Buy Low, smoke was in the air. By the time I got up to 17km, the smoke was darker.
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| From 17km |
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| From Toboggan Hill |
Thank-you Paul C for the two images above, and for the care package today! and the images below
Friday, July 28, 2023
RDKB - going all out with education and awareness.....
The Rock Creek Farmers Market, the Rock Creek Petro Can, a Big White Music Event, and the upcoming "Boogie Bash" at the Fairgrounds are among the public engagements done by the RDKB mitigation specialists. Education and awareness for FireSmart, and a chance to talk to a specialist, and sign up for an assessment.
The assessments are voluntary, there is no cost to you,(RDKB grant funding). What you get is a comprehensive assessment of your cabin and property, with recommendations for improving resilience against wildfire.
The assessor can identify many things - small gaps that can be covered with ember resistant mesh, considerations relating to the slope of your property - a comprehensive report that can guide you as you work through the FireSmart process. It is a process, and every step we take helps.
You do not have to be onsite when the assessment is done, and you will get a report within 5 to 10 business days. My report was 47 pages.
If you are one of the property owners adjacent to the proposed corridor between Cougar and Porcupine, and have e-mailed your consent, please re-send to sberits@gmail.com . The nethop address you were provided is affected by the major server issues with China Creek Internet, ( Vance and MC excluded)
FireSmart Activity
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| Enclosing under deck with metal. |
- I have received a sample of less than 3mm mesh from https://wildfiredefensemesh.com/ along with some literature about group pricing for protection of 30 homes
- I ordered some mesh through Amazon for the venting on my tool shed roof - they shipped Intelcom to my Canada Post Flex delivery address, so there have been many phonecalls, and I may get it tomorrow - stashed in the yard of a friend's place - a week from Langley to Oliver.
Deck Treatment:
- I have looked at many types of fire rated decking, and at this point, it is not in my budget to replace the decks. A product I researched last year is available in Langley - almost $300 for two gallons
- It will be labour intensive for me - I will have to lift the deck boards, sand off the finish, apply the material, put metal tape on the top of the joists, replace the boards, and paint on top.
- If I have some material left over, I will let you know. If you are interested, I can forward you the 4 e-mails with the product info.
Tree Removal:
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| The old pines close to the cabin are gone, the siding was upgraded to metal awhile ago. It is a good thing that Anne has 3 siblings, 3 offspring, and 5 nieces and nephews. Should be able to get a bit of a crew from the clan. |
Thursday, July 27, 2023
I asked the question.........about the liberal application of the brown stuff on the Baldy Road
Apparently the stuff that has been coating our vehicles the last couple of days is not for dust control. A different chemical being applied for road "stabilization". They were also applying on side roads like Fish Lake Road.
So if the solution firms up the surface theoretically it should remain firm longer and reduce the formation of washboard. There are however many patches of washboard that are also being soaked with the stuff. Does that mean that the washboard will firm up too?
YRB grader is parked at the Canyon Bridge tonight.
Washing the truck again tomorrow.
Wednesday
A reminder of why I don't like driving home after dark. On the hill above Camp McKinney - two stolen vehicles in the ditch - someone around in the morning - asking the driver of a small SUV to pull them out of the ditch. No one around later in the afternoon when the RCMP and two tow trucks were there. A U-Haul cube van, and a full size pick-up.
Migrating to Gmail
I am in the process of switching everything to my gmail accounts - Unfortunately I do not know when or if I will recover any e-mails sent to me in the last 48 hours, or in the coming couple of days. If you have my gmail address from the FireSmart newsletters, please use it from now on. If you don't have it, you can request it by contacting me at unbaldy@gmail.com .
Nethop E-Mail
China Creek has some "unusual" problems, and although I never lost internet service, I have no access to my nethop e-mail account. the last e-mail I received was 2:00pm two days ago. I am watching China Creek Facebook for updates - no news yet this morning.
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Nethop e-mail is down
We’re experiencing and unusual network issue and are currently working to resolve it asap. If you experience any internet issues over the next few hours, We’re sorry, and already working on it.
Panorama - Evac Alert
Thinking of our friends at Panorama - on evac alert due to Horsethief Creek Wildfire.
Monday, July 24, 2023
Sunday, July 23, 2023
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How did you start your day?
If my message influences one person, then I suppose it is worth my time. Unfortunately, some of the people who need to hear it, don't read the blog.
We are here because we love this place, year 'round, but mostly in the winter. Fire can change our world so quickly, and we all need to work together to protect our mountain life.
My day started with viewing a training video, that is in the works for a group of rural ranchers and residents who want to know more about wildfire, and what to do if they stay behind. My take on the video is that it is well done, and I would hope that those who watch it would realize how many things can go wrong, and the smartest move would be to get out!
Lots of information on the BC Wildfire Site - as the risk goes up, there are restrictions on time of day, and post work fire watch requirements for high risk activities. The last four days, the Grizzly Ext station has had a hazard rating of 3, or moderate. Even with the recent moisture events, we know there are "crunchy" areas around.
Download the BC Wildfire App - look around the BC Wildfire Website - fire is a reality, and something we need to keep in mind.
Get your free assessment from the RDKB Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. There is an emphasis on the vulnerability of the structure to embers. Lots of practical things we can do to protect our cabins.
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