FALKLAND – There was good news for the owners of the only property evacuated due to the fires near Falkland – they were allowed to return home. As of 9:00 a.m. on Friday, the evacuation order for the Bolean Lake Lodge was downgraded to an alert.
“It is a big relief,” said Sandra Martens, a part-owner of the Bolean Lake Lodge.
Martens and four guests were evacuated earlier this week. The fire not only threatened their safety, but also the business’ bottom line.
“I had quite a number of reservations and unfortunately I had to cancel them out,” Martens said. “That is a disappointment for not only us, but them too.”
The Bolean Lake Lodge and 24 other properties along Chase Falkland Road remain on evacuation alert, which means they should be ready to leave at short notice. The evacuation alert is spread out across a large area because what fire officials have been referring to as the Bolean Lake Fire is actually two separate blazes.
“The wildfire is believed to have originated from a lighting strike above Chase Falkland Road and spread during heavy winds,“ explained the Columbia Shuswap Regional District in a public advisory earlier this week. “The fire spotted ahead of itself and a second fire started that is running along the plateau to the north east of Bolean Lake.”
But as the fire fight continues, mother nature seems to be cooperating, bringing cool temperatures and rain to the area on Friday. The two blazes are estimated to cover around 350 hectares and are believed to be 50 per cent contained.
“There is no open flame,” said fire information officer Noelle Kekula. “You’ll see the hot spots smoking. You won’t see any open flame.”
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Some working on the fires are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“There is still a lot of work to be done but the big ticket items, in terms of containment and control, are in the not too distant future,” said Derek Williams with the B.C. Wildfire Service.
Crews have set up an encampment at the Falkland Stampede Grounds. Out front a large sign has been put up thanking those working on the fire. It seems firefighters are appreciating the positive reception they are getting from a grateful community.
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