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Multiple Holdover Fires Emerge around Telegraph Creek

Thursday, 25 April 2019 13:00

The community of Telegraph Creek (Photo courtesy of Regional District of Kitimat- Stikine)

Talhtan First Nation Chief Rick Mclean says multiple holdover fires are burning around Telegraph Creek in northwestern British Columbia.

Tahltan First Nation Chief Rick Mclean says there are currently four holdover fires burning around the vicinity of Telegraph Creek.

 Mclean says the holdover fires, a process where embers continue to smolder underground through the winter, have recently emerged and are being monitored and extinguished by crews.

"The (area) is drying out pretty quickly. There are some what we call holdover fires in and around the area... the wildfire is continuing to be extinguished and monitored. (Our) crews  are looking and identifying hot spots via aerial flights. We have full confidence the fires are going  to be able to be put out."

 Mclean says there are some ground crew battling the fires from Dease Lake, including para-attack crews that are one scene who can be deployed and parachuted into more remote areas.

Mclean says it’s possible the Tahltan First Nation will call for help outside the Dease Lake area if fires continue to spread.

"There's definitely a conversation happening with Yukon First Nation Wildfire and Wildfire BC. As far as my community is concerned, if we need to reach out and ask for a helping man, then they're more than willing to help."

 Telegraph Creek is still recovering from last year’s Alkhali Fire in the community, and Mclean says an infrastructure plan to permanently rebuild the community is expected next year.

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